Sharks’ Boughner on Timo Meier’s growth, maturity: “I think he’s come a long way”
Going into Sunday’s game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Timo Meier leads the San Jose Sharks with 31 points – already equaling his production from last season
SAN JOSE – A day after he benched Timo Meier for the final four minutes of the third period and overtime for his puck management gaffe in the neutral zone, which led to a Philadelphia Flyers tying goal, Sharks coach Bob Boughner pulled the winger aside for a few moments after practice
“He just liked the attitude I had coming in,” Meier said Friday. “Obviously, I made a mistake losing the puck late in the period that cost us a goal. So, moving on and learning from it.”
“He was great,” Boughner said of Meier. “He came to the rink with a smile on, took full accountability for it, and we move on.”
Going into Sunday’s matinee with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which begins a four-game road trip, Meier leads the Sharks with 31 points in 27 games – already equaling his production from last season in 54 games.
But Boughner this season has been just as impressed with Meier’s attitude and demeanor.
Boughner said in November that perhaps Meier last season wouldn’t always take constructive criticism the right way, adding that some of the conversations he had with him could be confrontational. Meier could be terrific one night and invisible the next, which was reflected in his often varying ice time.
Now Boughner sees a different mindset in the 25-year-old player and a more consistent approach.
“When guys take accountability for their games, good or bad, and want to be a good teammate like he was today, it just shows maturity and his personal growth, and his game as well,” Boughner said.
“I said this coming into training camp – he’s taking on a better leadership role in this team. He’s been more vocal, he’s been there for the young guys. His work ethic in practice, he’s one of the hardest working guys out there, trying to get better every day. I think he’s come a long way in the last couple of years.”
Meier said part of his growth has been not dwelling on mistakes.
“It’s going to happen that you have a bad game and I’ve tried to go out there and help the team and try to push myself,” Meier said. “It’s part of the learning that I’ve been through in the past year and a half.”
SICK OF COVID: Winger Jonathan Dahlen played 18:40 on Thursday in his first game since Dec. 16. Dahlen was placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol on Dec. 21, after testing positive for the coronavirus, almost remarkably, for the fourth time.
Dahlen said he tested positive for the virus twice in his native country of Sweden – once at the start of the pandemic and again in May 2021. He tested positive again in October, but that turned out to be a false positive, and he only had to miss one game.
“It’s really pretty crazy,” Dahlen said. “I lost taste and smell only one time though. Otherwise, I haven’t had anything, so it’s been a weird experience.”
TRANSACTIONS: The Sharks recalled center Jasper Weatherby from the Barracuda on Saturday and placed forwards Jayden Halbgewachs and Nick Merkley, defensemen Jaycob Megna and Ryan Merkley, and goalie Alexei Melnichuk on the taxi squad.
Weatherby was assigned to the Barracuda by the Sharks on Dec. 19 and played two days later against Colorado. Weatherby was placed in AHL protocol on Dec. 22 and one of 12 Barracuda players who contracted the virus, but he returned to play Friday’s game in Stockton.