Couture's career-high five points fuels Sharks' win vs. Pens

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The Sharks are heading into the 2022-23 NHL All-Star break on a high note after their 6-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday at Consol Energy Center.

San Jose needed a win over the Penguins, not only for the two points but for the team's morale after blowing a lead in their 5-4 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. As the Sharks' captain, Logan Couture led by example, resulting in a five-point performance. 

While Couture's five-point game helped San Jose come away with the win, coach David Quinn praised the 33-year-old's leadership. The Sharks' captain made sure the team did not let Saturday's loss to the Hurricanes linger.

"I've only known him a short period of time, but I've got so much respect for him and he's a true professional, humble, and comes to the rink and works his ass off every day," Quinn told reporters postgame. "And he really made sure that we weren't going to lose tonight."

Couture is receiving recognition for his performance against the Penguins, but he's not taking full credit. Instead, the San Jose forward thanked his two linemates, Mikey Eyssimont and Alexander Barabanov, who also scored in the Sharks' victory. 

"[Eyssimont] plays fast," Couture told Brodie Brazil and Curtis Brown on "Sharks Postgame Live." 'He plays on top. Yeah, he plays almost that Pest style where he's in the other team's face. He's on third best players. He's in [Sidney] Crosby's face. And he's a guy you don't want to play against ... 

"[Barabanov] sees the ice extremely well. Very good pass-first guy. It's nice to see him shoot one in the net. He's always looking to pass. Obviously. He made a fantastic pass to me on his semi-breakaway. That's just who he is. He's always looking for that pass, so I know they've got to get up in the play and try and find open ice. Yeah, fantastic pass. They're fun to play with."

San Jose will get a week off before they resume their eight-game road trip, which continues against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 7. Nonetheless, as the 2022-23 NHL season continues, changes are coming to the Sharks, with the trade deadline looming on March 3. 

RELATED: NHL rumors: Sharks' Timo Meier wants $9M in potential contract extension

Sharks general manager Mike Grier already has made one trade, with more likely to come. However, with San Jose probably set to look different after March 3, the team will look to Couture to lead them both on the ice and off. 

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