San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Sharks’ Meier, now All-Star, finds stride
For three seasons the Sharks have patiently been waiting for Timo Time.
And, now that it’s here, their fans can say it’s about time. Timo Meier has woken from a prolonged hibernation this season to produce the way San Jose projected after drafting the 25-year-old Swiss forward with the ninth overall pick in 2015.
Meier’s powerful game was on display Saturday night when the Sharks hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at SAP Center.
“I’m proud of him,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “He’s worked hard to get to this level.”
With a team-high 39 points in 33 games before Saturday, Meier has his career arc trending in the right direction — and people have noticed. Meier was named last week as the team’s representative to the NHL All-Star Game, set for Feb. 5 in Las Vegas.
“It’s nice news when you get selected to the All-Star Game, but the focus is on this group here,” said Meier, articulating how he has grown into a leader not only looking to land on the score sheet.
It wasn’t always this way. Meier appeared to break through with 30 goals and 66 points in 2018-19, a year after showing flashes of star potential with 21 goals at age 21 the previous season. But Meier slipped to 22, then 12 goals, respectively, over the next two seasons to offer cause for concern.
Starting to look like a player who had questionable fitness habits, Meier was at a crossroads entering the offseason. He heard it from management, too, during his exit interview.
Told it was incumbent to make more of a commitment, Meier did just that. And because Meier dedicated himself to getting in the best shape of his life, he’s reaping the rewards.
“He’s been our most consistent offensive player all year,” Boughner said. “Along with that, he’s bought into playing with much better detail than in the past. It’s great to see.”
Meier’s power game is on full display. He’s one of the team’s fastest skaters, one of the team’s strongest forwards, one of the team’s best snipers. And, finally, he’s one of the team’s best examples for the younger players in the organization.
“Even if it’s not going well it’s motivation to get better, and if you’re having success you have to continue putting in the work,” said Meier, only the second Swiss-born player to be named an All-Star after the Islanders’ Mark Streit in 2009. “It’s a process, and you have to enjoy the process of ups and downs.”
Meier was tied for 10th in points among NHL skaters before Saturday. His 1.22 points per game represented a career high, and he’s on pace to set individual season highs in almost all offensive categories, including goals, assists and points.
“He’s strong on pucks, and playing real good hockey for us,” linemate Tomas Hertl said.
“He’s a tough player to play against every night,” Boughner added. “It’s nice to see, well deserved, and he’s put a lot of hard work into it.”