If the San Jose Sharks were looking to regain their early-season success without Tomas Hertl, they will now have to do the same without their definitive leader Logan Couture.
Couture, who underwent hand surgery Wednesday, is expected to return in three to four weeks, but the schedule starting Saturday with the Boston Bruins suddenly becomes a little more daunting without the Sharks' on-ice playmaker.
Replacing Couture is not likely to be matched by just one player over the next three to four weeks, although the Sharks would love to see the up-tempo style of play continue sans Couture. However, judging by Thursday night against the Red Wings, Couture’s absence means one thing for Joe Pavelski: opportunity.
Pavelski led the Sharks with two goals on four shots on net Thursday night, as San Jose continued its strong play at home with a 4-1 win over Detroit. The 29-year-old with the new long-term contract has never had the opportunity to be the focal point of the team, with Couture, Thornton, Marleau and even Hertl on the same squad. But injuries have forced Pavelski from a secondary scoring role to a legitimate go-to threat over the next ...
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Article written by Scott Semmler
Can the San Jose Sharks Can Stay Afloat Without Logan Couture?
January 10th, 2014 by Scott Semmler Leave a reply »
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