Sharks notes: Karlsson in holding pattern; Couture update

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SAN JOSE -– Although he missed AHL Barracuda practices on Wednesday and Thursday, injured forward Melker Karlsson is expected to return to the ice on Friday with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, per general manager Doug Wilson.

Karlsson, 25, is still dealing with a lower body injury that has hindered him since the start of training camp. A more detailed update is expected after practice on Friday regarding his status moving forward.

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Karlsson has played in two games with the Barracuda, registering one assist, but had trouble maintaining his effectiveness for all three periods. The Sharks' 2014-15 rookie of the year had 13 goals and 24 points in 53 games last season.

Logan Couture’s recovery remains on schedule, per Wilson. The Sharks center had surgery on Oct. 17 on a fractured right fibula, and it was announced that he would miss 4-to-6 weeks. Couture is still wearing a boot on his right foot.

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Although it came in a loss, Joe Pavelski’s goal against Nashville was one to remember. It was vintage Pavelski, setting up shop in his office between the circles and absorbing several big blows in order to be in position to put the puck in the net.

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Pavelski didn’t seem to want to talk too much about it afterwards, since he was likely annoyed at the 2-1 defeat. On Thursday, though, Joe Thornton offered up his opinion on the marker in which Pavelski was cross-checked by Shea Weber just before slamming in a rebound.

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“That’s how Pav scores his goals. Not a lot of players go to the front of the net and not a lot of players take that abuse,” said Thornton, who helped made the play happen despite not officially getting an assist.

“He got abused pretty hard, but the end result is worth it. He just does it time in and time out. It’s a joy to watch.”

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Expect Alex Stalock to start one of the Sharks’ two games this weekend, when they visit the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, per coach Pete DeBoer. Stalock has played just one game this season, allowing five goals on 33 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Islanders on Oct. 17.

There is the potential he could face his good friend and former teammate Antti Niemi in Dallas.

“The way [Martin Jones] has been playing, we’ll see how it shakes out,” Stalock said.

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