Evaluating Stenberg: Where He’s Excelled, Where He Can Improve

Ivar Stenberg, through 12 games, has been terrific on the power play. He’s still a significant work in progress at 5-on-5.

There’s nothing wrong with that: The San Jose Sharks winger is a 19-year-old rookie battling through his D+1 draft year in the best league in the world.

It’s something special that Stenberg has even excelled on the power play, where he’s piled up seven of his nine points. Most teens wouldn’t be any good at any facet of the NHL, especially not something as important as top power play unit duty.

Per Stathletes, here’s what’s been truly impressive about Stenberg on the PP, and what he’s got to work on at 5-on-5.

Plays Under Pressure

Here’s why Stenberg may not leave the San Jose Sharks top power play unit any time soon.

To the eye, he’s been cool as a cucumber with the puck, veteran-like with the extra space afforded, up a man.

“He’s so calm and he’s so confident with the puck, so it doesn’t matter if he’s getting pressured hard,” Macklin Celebrini said. “If he has a little bit of time and space, he’s always able to make that play.”

He actually leads the San Jose Sharks with 50.91 Plays Under Pressure Per 60 on the power play. By Stathletes’ definition, that’s a “successful pass with control where the passer is pressured”.

Related Headlines

Read more at San Jose Hockey Now