Logan Couture Is Happy With Sharks Progress

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has watched the entire season from the sidelines, but he likes what he sees.

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has watched the entire season from the sidelines, but he likes what he sees.

Despite starting the season on an 11-game losing streak, the Sharks have recovered well. The team is no longer last in the NHL and has a record of 6-2-2 in their previous ten games. 

"That road trip was awesome to watch, even though I wasn't on the trip. Very proud of a lot of those guys," Couture said. "The way they've continued to battle through a lot of adversity, a lot of injuries. [In that] Vegas game, we lost four or five guys throughout that game that we played better than Vegas did. So pretty impressive."

Couture has been able to watch home games from a higher perspective. He has been able to see the on-ice changes the Sharks are making.

"[We are making] a lot of good plays in our own defensive zone where we're bumping it to each other on the breakout," Couture explained. "Guys are creative offensively. [They are] making plays and scoring some goals. Scoring goals does a lot, confidence-wise, for players. It can make you feel a lot different about your game. I think that's what's happening."

The road trip was very impressive, especially for Tomas Hertl and Mikael Granlund. Granlund has 12 points in his last six games. Hertl was named the NHL's second star of the week last week. 

While Hertl's on-ice play has been stellar, he has taken on a lot of the captain's responsibility with Couture out. 

"He has everything that is needed to be a leader on a National Hockey League team," Couture said. "So naturally, he stepped into that role as the guy that everyone in that locker room looks up to."

Couture has seen a jump in Mario Ferraro's overall leadership, too. 

"I think this is the best hockey I've seen Mario plan in a while," Couture said. "He's always been a good defender that defends hard and blocks shots, but I think he's taken his game to another level right now. He's taking the puck [and] moving up offensively. He's always been a vocal leader. I'm really proud of the way Mario is playing."

Couture was skating with Sharks legend Joe Thornton and former San Jose netminder Aaron Dell after practice yesterday. Seeing him on the ice on back-to-back days indicates his injury is holding up, and he can push himself harder. 

Head coach David Quinn told the media today that Couture did not come on the two-game road trip. San Jose faces the Arizona Coyotes tonight and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. 

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