- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Erik Karlsson missed Saturday’s game against the Lightning with an upper-body injury, and he’s about to miss some more.
“Probably not going to see him on this road trip,” San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner admitted this afternoon.
The Sharks are flying out Tuesday for a grueling four-game road trip through Washington, Florida, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. They will then have a week-plus break until their next game on Feb. 14 versus the Edmonton Oilers.
In theory, that gives Erik Karlsson three weeks to get healthy. Will he be ready for a Valentine’s Day date with Connor McDavid?
Maybe not. Karlsson is meeting with a doctor today, per Boughner: “We’re trying to figure out what the right thing to do is here.”
Could surgery be on the table?
“I’m not sure at this point,” Boughner offered. “I’m gonna have to wait and see what the doctor says.”