[DFyvie]

Meet the 1992 Sharks - 5 key Player profiles
10/4/1992

#35 Glenn Healy
Born in Pickering Ontario, Glenn Healy is a 6 year vet that first saw NHL action as an Los Angeles King in the ’85/86 campaign. Healy plays low to the ice and possesses a quick glove hand which is matched by his quick reflexes. Selected by the San Jose Sharks in the ’91 expansion draft, Healy started a career high 60 games and predictably saw a career high in shots. Not blessed with outstanding talent, many scouts see Healy as more of a quality backup at this stage in his career. The Sharks have little choice but to turn to him again and guide this young team and hope for a push for the playoffs.

#33 Zarley Zalapski
The 24 year old Edmonton native is still relatively young but has a accomplished much in his short NHL career. Acquired last season from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Zalapski instantly became San Jose’s defacto number 1 defenseman. Smooth skating with outstanding offensive instincts, it is the defensive side of Zarley’s game that needs to improve the most. If San Jose is to make any improvements this year, having Zalapski for the full season is a must.

#27 Scott Niedermayer
At just 19, Scott Niedermayer has the weight of the young franchise on his shoulders. The team’s first ever draft choice must prove this is the year where he becomes a legitimate NHL’er. Much like Zalapski, Niedermayer’s ability with the puck sets him apart from other defenders. Unlike his veteran teammate, his ability to think the game at a higher level makes him special. San Jose’s success this year and the years to come do rest on Niedermayer’s shoulders. Are they broad enough?

#44 Stephane Richer
The point of hockey is to outscore the opposition, and you can’t score goals without a goalscorer. Enter Stephane Richer, a two time 50 goal scorer and Stanley Cup champion. Much of San Jose’s fortunes are on the end of Richer’s stick. His bounce back season last year of 35 goals and 71 points was an improvement on an abysmal 15 goal 1990 campaign. But can Richer score 50 again? He’ll need some help.

#19 Petr Nedved
When Petr Nedved is on the ice, you notice. His long fluid strides drive him across the ice effortlessly. His reach, and skill with the puck make him look almost angelic. But is their a fire in that belly? Vancouver didn’t think so and jettisoned the prospect to San Jose where Nedved found himself skating on the wing with Peter Stastny. Nedved erupted and more than doubled his point production. Peter Stastny has retired. Will Nedved’s production stay on the team, or evaporate too?