Although he has played just six games for the Sharks this season, Rudolfs Balcers is quickly learning how to make an impact on the team.
The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the season in the second period of San Jose's 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night at Enterprise Center, as the Sharks took three out of possible four points in the series.
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Balcers' goal at the 16:12 mark of the second period gave the Sharks a convincing 3-0 lead. However, a four-goal surge by the Blues (10-6-2) later on in the period resulted in a gritty comeback for San Jose. Logan Couture's second goal of the night ultimately led the Sharks (7-7-2) to victory, and goalie Devan Dubnyk picked up his first win in front of the net since March 8, 2020.
The Sharks' resiliency provided a character win, and Balcers' is optimistic he can continue bringing the quick energy the team needs as they return to SAP Center to kick off an eight-game homestand beginning on Monday against the Minnesota Wild.
"I think as a young guy I try to bring some speed and energy to the lineup and just try to play simple … generate some offense for the team and help the team win some games here," Balcers told NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil and Curtis Brown on Sharks Postgame Live.
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That sure would be nice for San Jose, as the team has struggled with consistency this season, and haven't strung together two consecutive wins all year.
However, with Evander Kane and Patrick Marleau also netting goals in Saturday's offensive onslaught, it seems the Sharks offense could be on the rise, and it wouldn't be surprising in Balcers' plays a role in that.