Marleau making it all go

Asking Darryl Sutter about a Patrick Marleau goal-less streak used to elicit one of three things: the coach's bitter-beer face, a verbal challenge suited for print, or, a seat in the press box for at least the next game.

Ask it now after Marleau has opened the season without a goal in eight games, and the reaction has changed.

"It's totally different from what we've seen in the past," said Sutter, not showing even the least bit of frustration. "He's doing everything and he's playing well."

Disappointing for the first three-quarters of last season, the 23-year-old center saved his season statistically by scoring 16 points during a 10-game scoring streak to end the campaign. And when he followed that up by leading San Jose in postseason scoring with 11 points in 12 games, all were convinced Marleau had turned the corner heading into his sixth NHL season.

It wasn't the point production that convinced the hockey minds. It was Marleau's display of commitment all over the ice, his attention to detail and consistent performances night-in and night-out -- a missing ingredient throughout his first five years in the league -- that turned heads.

The Sharks are seeing the same thing early in 2002-03 from Marleau, who centers what has been the team's most productive line, combining for nine of San Jose's 22 goals.

"He's carrying that line, put it that way," Sutter said.

Linemates Teemu Selanne (six goals, seven points) and Marco Sturm (three goals, seven points) are benefiting from the good chemistry with Marleau, who has four assists. It is San Jose's only line that has remained intact for each game, and the three men pose one of the fastest-skating, most offensively potent groups in the league.

Opponents are making adjustments, often putting top defensemen against the Marleau line, which for the first time means Vincent Damphousse and Owen Nolan are getting more favorable matchups. The success of Marleau and his line has a definite trickle-down effect throughout San Jose's lines.

In addition, Marleau now is playing in all situations. If available, his line is first out on the improved power play, and Marleau pairs with Selanne on the penalty kill. Marleau, though bothered by a sore groin early, is fourth among forwards in average ice time.

"We're still learning to play with each other a little bit," Marleau said of his linemates. "I know I've been playing OK, but I need to shoot a little more."

Marleau has managed nine shots in his past three games after putting just five shots on net in the first five games. His three-game point-scoring streak was snapped in Sunday night's 3-2 loss at Chicago by Blackhawks goalie Jocelyn Thibault, who denied Marleau twice in the third period on mini-breakaways after the speedy forward split defensemen twice.

"He's working hard and playing hard," Sutter said. "He just needs to shoot a little more. That's what we're looking for."