UPDATE: In a remarkable turnaround, San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg has found his scoring touch, largely thanks to encouraging texts from former teammate and Sharks captain Joe Pavelski. This resurgence comes after Klingberg faced a scoring drought that lasted five games, which included a pair of healthy scratches just three weeks ago.
Klingberg’s breakthrough began when Pavelski reached out, predicting that Klingberg would score that night. Klingberg stated, “It’s funny. As I started having my production increase here, it started off when (Pavelski) was texting me and saying, ‘I think you’re going to score tonight.’” Since then, Klingberg has scored five goals in five games from December 7 to December 16, 2023, including a game-tying goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during a thrilling 3-2 overtime win on December 11.
In a stunning display of skill, Klingberg also netted two goals, including an overtime winner, in a 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins just two days later. Each of these accomplishments was celebrated with a text from Pavelski, who remains a key source of motivation for Klingberg. The bond between these two players, who were teammates from 2019 to 2022 with the Dallas Stars, exemplifies the power of camaraderie in professional sports.
Klingberg’s recent performance has not gone unnoticed, as he tied for the second-most points among NHL defensemen during this period, accumulating eight points across six games and averaging nearly 23 minutes of ice time per game. Entering the Sharks’ matchup against the Seattle Kraken on December 16, Klingberg boasts 15 points in 26 games, a stark contrast to his previous seasons where he accumulated just 18 points in 42 games due to injuries.
Despite facing a setback in a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on December 14, Klingberg remains optimistic. He revealed that Pavelski reached out post-game, even apologizing for not texting him beforehand. “He said he was sorry he didn’t text me before the game. But he’s pretty sure he thinks I’m gonna score again soon,” Klingberg recounted, highlighting the supportive bond they share.
Klingberg continues to emphasize the importance of his physical condition in his improved performance. “I feel like my body is allowing me to do more and more, so I’m feeling comfortable,” he noted. His commitment to avoiding risky plays has also contributed to his success on the ice.
As fans eagerly anticipate Klingberg’s next game, the Sharks will look to capitalize on this positive momentum. Keep an eye on how this dynamic partnership with Pavelski continues to influence Klingberg’s performance in the upcoming matches. The Sharks play against the Kraken tonight, and all eyes will be on Klingberg to see if he can keep the scoring streak alive.
