SAN JOSE — There’s plenty of like about the Sharks these days, according to NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick.

In addition to the contributions of newly-acquired wing Raffi Torres, Roenick praised goaltender Antti Niemi and forwards Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski. (“I can’t say enough about how fast they’ve matured.”)

But Roenick, the former Shark, saved his greatest compliments for the player he has criticized harshly in the past.

“Everybody knows my opinion of Patrick Marleau,” Roenick said. “But he has stepped up his game three or four notches.

“He’s involved in every play, he’s scoring big goals, and he’s going into dangerous areas.

“He’s showing a lot of people, including myself, that he’s the real deal.”