On Tuesday the San Jose Sharks took on the Winnipeg Jets on home ice after a six game road trip (3-2-1). The Sharks’ young winger William Eklund scored late in the third to beat the Jets 2-1.
This was Eklund’s fourth game-winning goal for team teal this season and earned him the first star (and third overall).
After the game-winner, Eklund was even trending on X.com.
At the start of the season, Eklund had just one point in nine October games played. One month ago, the left winger had five points in 16 games.
Now, halfway through December, Eklund has notched five goals and six assists over the last 12 games.
Sharks’ coach David Quinn told the press, “He’s come a long way in a lot of areas.”
Eklund earned his first game star of the Sharks’ season in their 3-2 shootout loss against the Montreal Canadiens. With one goal and one assist, Eklund took the third star of the game.
More recently, Eklund earned his second star of the game in the Sharks’ 5-4 overtime win against the New York Islanders.
The dramatic win followed the team as they overcame a three-goal trail. Eklund scored the game winner with seconds left in overtime and picked up two assists.
In total, the 21-year-old forward has 14 points in 28 games, evenly split between seven goals and seven assists.
Between the Sharks most recent three wins, Eklund logged 21:08, 19:38, and 16:10 minutes on ice. While Eklund picked up two penalties in the Winnipeg win, there is no doubt the winger has improved in his play.
“It’s helped me learn how not to do that,” said Eklund regarding his penalties post game.
Moving forward Eklund could be a key player for the Sharks to build around in their reset future.
Coach Quinn said of Eklund’s growth, “His D-zone has been better. His tracking has been better, his play away from the puck has gotten better. Those are the things that are going to allow him to be a really good player at this level.”
The San Jose Sharks next play on Friday against the Arizona Coyotes.
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Featured image courtesy of San Jose Sharks on X.com
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