With the San Jose Sharks’ deep playoff run on the line, Logan Couture generated a goal and two assists.
Martin Jones is the obvious No. 1 reason why San Jose reduced the Pittsburgh Penguins’ series lead to 3-2, but Couture is next in line.
His coach noticed that big effort in a big situation, as CSNBayArea.com reports.
“I think great players have that ability,” Pete DeBoer said during a conference call on Friday. “I put him in that category, just like Joe Pavelski has a knack for game‑winning goals. I think Logan has the ability to raise his level of play when the chips are down. I think he’s done that for us the entire playoffs.
“It’s a great gift to have. Not everyone has that ability.”
Even if you roll your eyes at “clutch” talk, there’s no denying Couture’s productivity. With 29 points in 23 playoff games, he’s easily the leading scorer of the 2016 postseason.
Injuries limited Couture to 52 up-and-down games during the regular season, depriving the Sharks of an All-Star-caliber player for a significant chunk of 2015-16.
Understatement: he’s made up for that absence in a big way.