Brent Burns injury update and Patrick Marleau in car accident

Oct 12, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Brent Burns (88) and center Joe Thornton (19) celebrate at the end of the game against the Ottawa Senators at the SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Today was quite the eventful day for the Sharks in the headlines. We have some good news and some scary news for all you Sharks fans out there. Which would you like to hear first? Ok. I’ll start with the good part.

Brent Burns, who hasn’t played since October 19th because of “sore gums” could make his return as soon as this week. According to general manager Doug Wilson,

"Could he play Thursday? I think he could. I think there’s a chance. … I think he’s really close, and it could be as soon as this week. But, that will be decided by him and the medical staff."

The highly productive forward and fan favorite that plays alongside Joe Thornton and Tomas Hertl on the top-line has seriously affected the Sharks’ level of play in his absence. Before he was hurt, the Sharks went 7-0-1. After? A mediocre 6-3-4. If Burns is to return this week, he would provide a much needed boost in the physicality department. His 6’5″, 230 pound frame is perfect for pushing around opponents in the offensive and defensive zone. On the year (8 games), Burns has posted 4 goals and 4 assists (1 PPG).

The scary news of the day is that Patrick Marleau was involved in a very serious accident near The SAP Center. Before you assume that Marleau is injured and start blaming the hockey gods for bestowing so many injuries on the Sharks, the Sharks released a statement saying that Marleau was unharmed in the accident.

Here is a picture:

As a Sharks fan, I couldn’t be more relieved that Marleau did not get hurt here. However, hopefully the other driver involved is ok too. No word on that yet.