- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
There might not be a more roundly unpopular Sharks player than Lane Pederson.
There is no shortage of Sharks fans on Twitter happy to remind you that Pederson has gone goal-less this season -- in now 27 games, no less -- and that’s even with an extended stint on San Jose’s second power-play unit. In fact, Pederson is one of just three forwards in the NHL who have gone without a goal in 25-plus appearances, along with Riley Nash and Tyler Pitlick.
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SIGN UP HERE And hey, it’s not just the fans. A scout flat-out told me a month ago that Pederson belongs in the AHL.
So it’s great to see a much-maligned youngster like Pederson put together an outstanding game at this level, remind everybody that he indeed possesses NHL-caliber talent.
“It’s the best I’ve seen him look,” coach Bob Boughner remarked of Pederson’s performance in a 4-1 Sharks victory over the Anaheim Ducks.