Summer Assignment: Patrick Sharp’s 2013 Report Card

Patrick Sharp:

Regular Season

Games: 28

Goals: 6

Assists: 14

+/-: 8

Game Winning Goals: 1

Playoffs

Games: 23

Goals: 10

Assists: 6

+/-: 1

Game Winning Goals: 2

Contract Status: Signed through the 2016-2017 season with a $5,900,000 cap hit.

Summary: Patrick Sharp is a core player in the Windy City, and he can always be counted on to stick to the game plan and give a full effort. However, Sharp’s problem in the last few seasons was not how he played when he got on the ice, but how often he could get out there. Sharp has had injury issues in the last few years, playing 74 games apiece in both 2010-11 and 2011-12, and only managing just over half in 2013’s short season, with 28. Sharp is only 31, but these injuries worry many, as he may see his career cut short due to a lack of durability.

Sharp was one of the Blackhawks’ best players when he was healthy, averaging almost a point-per-game in both the regular season and playoffs. His vision is something only veterans like him posess, and he uses it to his advantage, quarterbacking the second line with Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. He has good speed on the rush, and can let go with a strong, accurate shot.

In the Playoffs, everything went right for #10. His fit with Michal Handzus was a solid one, no matter who was playing on the opposite wing, starting with Kane, moving to Bryan Bickell, and ending the Cup run with Brandon Saad. Sharp led all NHL players in playoff scoring with 10 goals, and had 16 points, second most on the Blackhawks. Sharp was the Blackhawk who stepped up the most come post-season, staying healthy and playing extremely well, and getting rewarded with his second Cup ring.

Grade: Patrick Sharp is a talented veteran presence, and he is dangerous offensively. However, his injuries harbor him to a B in 2013. If he can play 80 games next season, and stay consistent , he will become one of the Blackhawks’ best players.

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