Preview/Lines #60: Couture Loved Sharks Legends Game Atmosphere

Logan Couture was just a fan last night too.

Yesterday, in honor of Patrick Marleau’s jersey retirement tonight, San Jose Sharks alumni got together for the Legends Game at Tech CU Arena.

The current Sharks captain said he was the lone current player to check out the action, as Team Teal, led by players such as Scott Hannan and Patrick Marleau, were able to defeat Team White by a 10-9 shootout final. Some notable names on Team White included Joe Thornton, Devin Setoguchi and Mike Ricci, all of whom scored on the evening.

Couture was actually in the locker room before the game, catching up with old teammates like Dany Heatley and Mike Brown, who he reported that he hadn’t seen more or less since they played together.

“I thought they played hard,” Couture said. “I thought a few guys played like they used to play. Dany Heatley took a few one-timers. Ryan Clowe threw some backhand sauces. I don’t think he beat anyone up, but I’m sure he would have obliged if anyone wanted to. Mike Brown was flying around, Jumbo tried pretty hard. So it was entertaining.”

So if Couture was GM, who would he pluck from the Legends Game to join the Sharks line-up tonight?

Joe Thornton, of course.

“He looked good. I mean, he’s only eight months removed from the NHL,” Couture remarked.

Thornton scored last night, and then celebrated like it was an OT winner.

GOTTA SEE IT: Sharks Legends Game Highlights

“I think that was for his son,” Couture laughed. “River was in the crowd. He wanted to do the knee down, fist pump.”

While the hockey on display was one thing, Couture also took note of the energy in the building. That has been lacking a bit for the Sharks in recent seasons due to the team’s struggles, but the veteran forward is hoping that with the fresh buzz from the alumni game, tonight’s crowd in a game versus the Chicago Blackhawks will have a similar feel.

“I came to this game last night just to feel the energy in that building,” Couture said. “I sat up 15 minutes before warm-up started and there’s that buzz that you can feel in an arena. People were standing, waiting for the guys to come out. If it’s anything like last night, it’s going to be a heck of an environment for us. I think a lot of guys in here are looking forward to it. We want to make our alumni proud, our fans proud, so I’m looking to a good effort tonight.”

Couture says he and some of his teammates will meet up with some of the alumni tonight for a beer — so surely, they’ll want to come in after an effort that they’re proud of.

SAN JOSE SHARKS (18-30-11)

For the Sharks, Timo Meier will once again be held out because of an upper-body injury. It seems like a foregone conclusion now that the 26-year-old will be moved ahead of the Mar. 3 Trade Deadline. Meanwhile, Kaapo Kahkonen, who has been much better as of late, will receive the start for the Sharks. Lines appear to be same as the last game.

Kahkonen starts tonight — Meier is skating but not playing

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 25, 2023

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (20-32-5)

We will see the Chicago Blackhawks without their leading scorer in this one, as Patrick Kane has been sent home due to trade-related reasons — the 34-year-old appears to have played his final game for the organization.

Khaira is actually OUT tonight, although he was taking rushes.

The Blackhawks will go 11F/7D with Mitchell IN. Caleb Jones might play some forward again, Richardson said.

Mrazek confirmed starting.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 25, 2023

Richardson confirms Kane has left the team and headed back to Chicago. Lafferty is still here in San Jose, though, despite also being held out tonight. https://t.co/sMgYc56tA1

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 25, 2023

WHERE TO WATCH

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:00 PM PST at SAP Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.

You’re not going to want to miss a moment.

We’ll see you early on Saturday for Patrick Marleau’s No. 12 Jersey Retirement! 👏#12ForeverTeal pic.twitter.com/pgc0dPr6ID

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 22, 2023