Before the Sharks went on their recent three-game road trip, I asked Timo Meier why he and his current linemates, Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, were playing so well together.
“I think we put all of our strengths on the ice together,” the Swiss winger said. “Those are two guys who can make a really nice play.”
In a 4-3 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, those words evolved into on-ice production more than in any other game.
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And that wasn’t just because Meier scored the game-winning goal in overtime. (Avenging the second-period goal that was overturned for being offsides, no less.) The way this line sets each other up to score is a feat all on its own.
Like on the first goal of the game, when Hertl maneuvered the puck away from Anaheim defenseman Jacob Larsson and fed it to Brent Burns, whose rebound Couture deposited in the back of the net
The best set-up of all, of course, came on Meier’s second-period goal. While Couture passed across the ice to Meier, Hertl charged ahead and split the defense to post up in front of the Ducks’ net in order to punch in a potential rebound. What resulted was the Sharks' third marker on the evening.
When Meier was asked about how the line played in a post-game interview, he complimented the two veterans he plays with.
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“Those are two tremendous players,” he said. “So, for me I’m just trying to create some space for them go down low, get them some pucks.
“I think we’re just mostly having fun out there. We’re working hard in all three zones.”
As the Sharks head back to the Bay Area for the longest homestand of their young season, Meier and company will look to help propel them to more wins like the one on Sunday.
“We’re helping each other and that makes us help the team,” Meier summarized.