San Jose Sharks: Adam Burish Most Likely to Return by Playoffs
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
San Jose Sharks forward Adam Burish underwent surgery Wednesday after blocking a shot during Tuesday night’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. The slap shot came from Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry. After impact, Burish skated in a circle and then immediately left for the dressing room with no return the remainder of the game.
Kevin Kurz stated today that (according to a team source) pins were inserted into two fingers which were broken when the puck hit his left hand. There is a possibility that Burish will be able to return in time for the playoffs, however an exact timeline has not been given.
This is unfortunate timing for Burish seeing that he missed the first four months of the season recovering from back surgery, an injury that occurred during a preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks. He only returned February 7th and has played a mere 15 games since then.
This is the second blocked shot injury in the past week for the Sharks, the first being Logan Couture last Monday after blocking a shot from Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames.
In the absence of Burish, the Sharks have recalled Freddie Hamilton from Worcester. The rookie hasn’t played in an NHL game since January, and with Couture and Burish out, it is likely he’ll see some ice time. Hamilton is Worcester’s leading scorer; however, with the intensity of these games, McLellan will need to keep an eye on the rookie and ensure he can handle the action.
At this point in the season, with the playoffs approaching, one has to wonder whether or not it is worth risking bodily injury to block a shot. With the race to win the Pacific title and finally reach the Stanley Cup, the Sharks need all the healthy players they can get.