McLellan: Burns may return in week

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CALGARYSharks head coach Todd McLellan met with local San Jose media about two hours prior to the game against the Calgary Flames, echoing the comments he gave Tuesday morning to Calgary reporters regarding injured defenseman Brent Burns.

Hes sore and hes obviously not playing tonight, but right now all indications are its not a damaged knee, McLellan said. Its more muscular.

The coach added Burns, who was walking much better Tuesday than he was on Monday night, could conceivably play in the Sharks first game back after the All-Star break in exactly one week against Columbus on Jan. 31. Burns is listed as day-to-day after a dangerous looking hit from Edmonton's Ales Hemsky.

Burns also stopped by the press box during the Sharks' 1-0 win over the Flames on Tuesday night. He was in an upbeat mood, joking that the game is "much easier from up here," and mentioning that he was "just glad it wasn't his knee." Burns said he was looking forward to vacationing with his wife in Hawaii for the All-Star break - another good sign that the injury is not serious.

In 46 games with the Sharks, Burns has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points and 16 penalty minutes.

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