Better late than never: Boedker shining for Sharks when they need it most

When the San Jose Sharks signed Mikkel Boedker to a four-year, $16-million contract on July 1, 2016, they probably expected the 50-point player he had become during his time with the Arizona Coyotes.

If those were indeed the expectations, then last season's 26-point campaign would have been conceived as a huge disappointment. Through the first 48 games of this season, it seemed like much of the same for the 28-year-old, as he collected a measly 17 points.

However, in his last four games, Boedker has seemingly busted out of his year-and-a-half-long slump, scoring five goals and adding two assists during that span, including a tally and a helper in the Sharks' 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

Whether this is just a fluky hot streak, or a player finally starting to meet expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - it couldn't have happened at a better time.

With Joe Thornton still sidelined, the Sharks need all the offense they can get. Thanks to a 5-1-0 record in their last six games, they remain ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks in a competitive Pacific Division, and Boedker's recent play is a big reason why.