In Vancouver, Logan Couture scored his first career NHL hat trick in a 4-1 San Jose Sharks win over Vancouver Canucks Tuesday.
The thirds goal was scored into an empty net.
Logan Couture scored first career hat trick in win over Vancouver – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“I was going to go to the bench to change and everyone was telling me to stay on the ice,” Couture said. “I was going to be out there for the rest of the game regardless of what happened.”
It is the only hat trick thus far in his seven-year NHL career.
“It’s weird. I only had one in four years playing junior as well,” Couture said. “A lot of two-goal games, I just wasn’t able to find the third one. It feels nice to finally do it.”
Joe Pavelski had the other goal for the Sharks.
James Reimer made 23 saves for the win which clinched a playoff spot for San Jose.
“We were dealing with a little bit of fatigue, an emotional victory the other night, so we knew we’d be a little bit off,” coach Peter DeBoer said. “Reimer was our best player.”
Chris Higgins was the Canucks’ goal scorer. Higgins has been toiling in Utica for the Comets, the Canucks’ AHL affiliate.
“Just getting back in this locker room, I didn’t think I’d see the day,” Higgins said. “A nice moment for me. … I’ve been through a lot with a lot of guys in the locker-room here.”
Jacob Markstrom made 27 saves in the loss.
“It’s tough right now,” Markstrom said. “I don’t what to say. It doesn’t go our way.”
Couture has missed 30 games this season due to injury and his presence in the lineup is essential to the Sharks success in the post season.
“We’re a different team with him,” DeBoer said, “and our record reflects that.”
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