BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Tuesday night the San Jose Sharks honored Marc-Edouard Vlasic with their prestigious player of the game award—a thick, black vest—after a commanding 6-2 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres. This distinction came as no surprise as the seasoned defenseman, at 37, surpassed Mark Giordano’s NHL record for the most career blocked shots—a testament to his skill and resilience.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed admiration for Vlasic, highlighting his ability to position himself effectively and block crucial shots throughout his extensive career. “He’s masterful in his role,” Warsofsky said, noting the standing ovation Vlasic received from his teammates in the locker room as a fitting acknowledgment of his accomplishment.
Vlasic’s remarkable achievement was marked early in the first period when he intercepted a shot from Zach Benson. This brought his career total to an impressive 2,166 blocked shots. “I value strong defensive play,” Vlasic remarked, visibly proud of his milestone.
Despite Giordano, now 41, being without a team following his stint with Toronto, Vlasic has set a new benchmark in his 1,308th NHL game. Having been part of the Sharks organization for 19 seasons since debuting in 2006-07, a year post the introduction of blocked shot tracking, his longevity and skill continue to stand out.
Goalie Alexandar Georgiev praised Vlasic’s instinctive play, emphasizing his significant tweaks upon returning to the lineup. “He might have been away from the ice, but his natural feel for the game is outstanding,” Georgiev celebrated after his 20 saves in the victory.
Vlasic, hailing from Montreal, ranks eighth among active players in terms of games played. He has surpassed 100 blocked shots in 12 different seasons, showcasing his consistency—even last year, concluding with 108 blocks. Despite facing a setback with an upper-body injury at the start of the season, he has managed to secure 22 blocks over just 12 games.
“When it’s my turn, I step up,” Vlasic shared, illustrating his dedication to protecting the net. “I won’t hesitate to shield the goalie with my body when necessary.”
