Mikkel Boedker Critical for Sharks’ Second Half Success

Halfway through the season, the Pacific Division is a log jam with the San Jose Sharks sitting on top. In order to capture the division, offseason surprise signing Mikkel Boedker needs to start finding consistency on the scoresheet.

Before lacing the skates against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night, Mikkel Boedker was looking to build off his performance against the Detroit Red Wings. The winger had been stringing together solid performances for the San Jose Sharks, but could not find the scoresheet. Against Edmonton, he recorded his fourth career hat trick, doubling his goal total from the previous 39 games. The hope is that Boedker will begin to heat up after a poor start to his tenure in the Bay Area.

Offense is second nature for Boedker, who initially broke into the NHL with the Coyotes, a Pacific Division rival. A former first round pick in 2008, Boedker made an instant impact as a rookie with 28 points. His best seasons with the Coyotes came in 2013-14 and 2015-16, posting 51 points in both years. The Danish skater has yet to enter his prime years and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Unfortunately for the Coyotes, Boedker had no intentions of remaining with the franchise long term. Last season, Boedker went to the Colorado Avalanche, who were in desperate need of offense, before the trade deadline.  Boedker provided some assistance, but injuries and inconsistent play prevented the Avalanche from claiming a playoff spot. Despite his brief impact, Boedker was ready to test free agency, looking to play for a contender.

To the surprise of many, Boedker elected to sign with the Sharks when free agency opened. Familiarity with Sharks’ coach Peter DeBoer was a significant factor, having played for the coach during his time in juniors. Despite leaving money and years on the table, Boedker felt he could be another threat to the Sharks’ already potent offense and capture a Stanley Cup.

After a promising start with a goal against Columbus in the second game of the season, expectations began to waver. At times, Boedker was not putting in a complete effort, which drew the ire of coach DeBoer. The result was sitting on the bench against Ottawa in the third period. A message was sent, and Boedker knew his play should have been better.

He took the message to heart, and as a result, Boedker has been driving towards the net looking to score. Despite getting opportunities, he has come on the short end with goaltenders making the saves. Just recently, his effort came into question against Los Angeles to the displeasure of DeBoer. Boedker found himself watching from the stands against Minnesota as a healthy scratch.

Since his arrival to San Jose, Boedker has had an identity crisis. He had been the primary source of offense during his time with the Coyotes and a brief stint with the Avalanche. Perhaps Boedker has been unsure of his role, now being on a team with plenty of offensive threats. The first or second line would serve Boedker best, but he has not looked comfortable even when he put together a complete game.

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However, his hat trick came on the fourth line against Edmonton, which could be his calling. With all the talent currently on San Jose, depth is not an issue with the lines DeBoer chooses to roll out. The fourth line could serve Boedker best as being the main guy to find the back of the net.

Boedker has indeed adjusted to the Sharks’ style of play under DeBoer. Given his early struggles, the offensive outburst comes as a good sign. Sure, Boedker could be a trade piece should San Jose want a backup goaltender but that will never happen. He will remain in San Jose for the duration of the four-year deal, as the winger is about to enter his prime.

Also, watching from the press box against the Wild certainly helped Boedker. He was inserted back into the lineup against Detroit and scored a goal. By watching his teammates from above the Shark Tank, he could see plays develop and identify areas where he should be on the ice.

San Jose is currently in a stretch of facing Western Conference opponents. These are games where the Sharks want to claim as many points as possible to separate themselves in the Pacific Division. A message will also be sent to show their intentions of representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final once again.

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For now, the Sharks need to be firing on all cylinders in the second half of the season. The current lineup may not be fully healthy but have the firepower to win games. Boedker will certainly have to step his play as he can well be the x-factor come playoff time. Hopefully, the goals come in bunches.