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‘Steady Eddie’ Vlasic set to return to Sharks lineup

Marc-Edouard Vlasic

San Jose Sharks’ Marc-Edouard Vlasic reacts after scoring a game tying goal against the St. Louis Blues, late in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in San Jose, Calif. The Sharks beat the Blues in overtime 3-2.(AP Photo/George Nikitin)

AP

After missing the last three games with a lower-body injury, San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic appears ready to return to the lineup against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

Vlasic isn’t likely to ever be described as flashy. But getting him back should greatly benefit the Sharks -- at both ends of the rink -- after they gained one of a possible six points with Vlasic out of the lineup during this recent stretch.

In 25 games this season, the 28-year-old Vlasic three goals and 11 points. But he also has a goals-for per 60 minutes rating of 2.52, while posting a goals-against per 60 minutes rating of 1.82 at even strength, as per stats.hockeyanalysis.com.

“He’s one of the better defensemen in the league and kind of the core guy back there on defense,” Paul Martin told the San Jose Mercury News. “He’s been there for a long time and the guy that you rely on to be ‘Steady Eddie.’

“We haven’t been as successful with him out of the lineup, having that presence there.”