It was a milestone in the making since his debut for the San Jose Sharks in 1997.
Patrick Marleau earned the NHLPA.com Player of the Week title after notching four points spanning three games, including his 500th NHL goal in teal.
5⃣0⃣0⃣ @NHL goals for Patrick Marleau. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/aPuswj8xhy
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) February 3, 2017
Marleau’s milestone achievement follows an impressive performance the previous week, which included a four-goal third period on Jan. 23 vs. Colorado.
The Aneroid, Saskatchewan, native kicked it all off Tuesday by opening the scoring of a home matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks with his 499th goal. The Sharks went on to a 3-1 victory before heading to Vancouver, where Marleau didn’t wait long before tapping in goal number 500.
Nine minutes and thirty seconds into the first period Thursday at Rogers Arena, Marleau cashed in a power play goal for the milestone, and helped San Jose to a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and went on to defeat the Canucks 4-1. Patrick earned the game’s first star, all the while becoming the 45th player in NHL history to reach 500 goals.
The Sharks honoured Marleau back in San Jose on Saturday evening before their game against the Arizona Coyotes. After being feted in front of the hometown fans at the Shark Tank, Marleau went on to tally two helpers that night, bringing his weekly total to four points to lead the Sharks over the week alongside Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns.
For a complete listing of the 2016-17 NHLPA.com Players of the Week, click here.
