Couture Leaves Game After Blocking Shot

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Even when things are going right for the San Jose Sharks, they’re going wrong.

That’s what it might feel like for a franchise that’s three years and running out of the playoffs, who were able to dominate the Anaheim Ducks 6-1 tonight, but now have to deal with a potential injury to captain Logan Couture.

Midway through the third period, Sharks up 4-1, penalty killer Couture blocked a Cam Fowler shot with perhaps his right thigh.

Logan Couture is shaken up after blocking a shot. pic.twitter.com/UQwgINybcB

— JD Young (Unofficial) (@MyFryHole) December 10, 2022

Couture was not very mobile for the rest of that PK shift, but was able to make his way to the San Jose Sharks’ hallway under his own power. He walked back and forth down the hallway on his own, took a short spin on the ice, and even sat down on the bench for a little while. It looked like crisis averted, but then, Couture left the bench again for good.

In all, Couture missed the last 9:08 of the Sharks’ 6-1 bashing of the Ducks.

After the game, San Jose Hockey Now did make a request to speak with Couture, but that request was declined. That by itself doesn’t mean anything, but sometimes, if a player is healthy enough, he will come out and talk to the media afterwards and tell you so himself.

Head coach David Quinn did not have an update when he spoke with the press.

“He just walked by,” Quinn said, “but I’ve got no update yet, I’ll have one soon.”

SJHN did not see Couture walk by, but Quinn didn’t seem particularly perturbed by the sight of Couture, like he was on crutches or something like that. But that’s just speculation.

If the Sharks lose Couture for any significant stretch of time, it would be a massive blow to a 9-16-5 squad trying to claw its way out of the cellar. The 33-year-old remains San Jose’s top defensive center and with 14 goals in 30 games, is on pace to crack the 30-goal barrier with ease.

The San Jose Sharks do not practice tomorrow, but are back on the ice on Sunday. Their next contest is Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes at SAP Center, which gives the captain a little more time to heal up.