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The San Jose Sharks are right in the thick of things early in the 2015-16 NHL season, and Joe Pavelski and Joel Ward are two big reasons why.

Pavelski once again leads the team with 15 points (nine goals, six assists) through 17 games, and Ward isn't far behind with his eight goals and six assists.

"(Pavelski's) led them the last two years in scoring, so this shouldn't come as any surprise," NESN's Billy Jaffe said on "Bruins Face-Off Live" before Boston hosted San Jose on Tuesday. "When I think Joe Pavelski, I think similar -- similar, but not exactly -- like Patrice Bergeron. He's that type of player."

Hear more from NESN's Dale Arnold and Jaffe in the video above.

Thumbnail photo via John Hefti/USA TODAY Sports Images