San Jose Sharks’ season is turning from bad to worse. After going 3-7 in their last 10 games and falling to the sixth spot in Pacific Division, Sharks have now lost their captain Logan Couture to a broken ankle injury.
Couture suffered the fracture in Tuesday’s loss to St. Louis Blues after his left leg hit the end board midway through the second period. After going through tests the day after, it was determined that he will have to miss up to six weeks while recovering.
“It’s big-time concerning. Even if it’s a couple games or a couple weeks … he’s a captain, he’s a leader, a catalyst for our offense,” said Sharks’ coach Bob Boughner. “If he’s missing out of our lineup, that’s a big loss. I think that other guys are going to have to step up in his absence, for sure.”
Couture’s loss might prove costly for Sharks’ attempts to turn around their season. The 30-year-old was Sharks’ best player so far, contributing with 14 goals and 22 assists while being selected for the All-Star Game.
Logan Couture spent his entire NHL career with San Jose, who took him ninth overall in 2007. He holds the franchise record for most goals scored in rookie-season with 32 while having two All-Star selections to his name. Couture’s NHL stats include 240 goals and 267 assists in 663 appearances.
Sharks are currently riding a 19-22-4 record, being nine points behind the last wild-card spot.
