Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Burns set to return vs. Lightning tonight
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 11:45am
Follow @kkurzcsn

Programming note: Lightning-Sharks coverage begins tonight at 7 p.m. with Sharks Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California

SAN JOSE – Sharks forward Brent Burns is a go.

Head coach Todd McLellan essentially confirmed that Burns would make his return to the lineup after missing exactly one month, when the Sharks host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night at SAP Center.

"He's going to come off of [injured reserve], so there's a real good chance that he will play. We'll see how he is when he comes to the rink, but he's telling me now that he's ready. He looks ready, and right now he is."

Joe Thornton said: “He just adds so much for the forwards up front. He’s a big body that moves very well, gets in on the forecheck real well, [and] makes our lineup that much better.”

[RELATED: In the Crease: Lightning vs. Sharks]

Burns has been scratched for the last 13 games, after taking a series of high hits that included a whack in the face from Ottawa goaltender Robyn Lehner on Oct. 12. He had four goals and four assists in his first eight games on a line with Thornton and Tomas Hertl, with seven of his eight points coming at even strength.

It’s been a revolving door on the right wing of Thornton since Burns went out. Tommy Wingels has skated in that position lately, but with Burns back, Wingels will drop to the Logan Couture line with Patrick Marleau, while the third line will consist of Joe Pavelski with Tyler Kennedy and Marty Havlat.

The Sharks are 6-3-4 since Burns came out of the lineup, after going 7-0-1 in their first eight games when he was healthy. Overall, San Jose is 23-9-2 since Burns became a forward last March.

McLellan said: "I think anybody who's watched us play realizes that his size and his tenacity is his biggest asset, but he can also shoot the puck and finish. … When he's playing well, it kind of puts everybody else in their right spots, if that makes any sense at all, as far as lines go.”

Marleau said that Burns – one of the more boisterous personalities in the Sharks’ dressing room – can provide an emotional lift, as well as on the ice.

[RELATED: Sharks hope for boost from Burns, Havlat]

“You like to see guys in the lineup healthy, and you feel for them when they’re out,” Marleau said. “But, it gives everybody a little extra boost when they come back in. Another familiar face, and obviously a big part of our hockey team.”

McLellan said: “You don't take a 6-foot-5, 230-pound player out of your lineup that can skate and shoot like that and not miss him. It's as simple as that. He is a big, big part of our team.”

* * *

Indications are that rookie Matt Nieto will come out of the lineup for the first time to make room for Burns. Forward John McCarthy and defenseman Matt Irwin also look to be healthy scratches against the Lightning.

In line image of Brent Burns, Tomas Hertl and Jason Demers provided by the Associated Press

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Harbaugh on Brock: 'Great success story'
McLellan: 'It has to turn into production'
Brock: 'Hopefully I can be the starter for four years'
Highlights: Injury bug bites as Warriors flounder in L.A.

Giants

Hudson pens 'thank you' message to Braves, fans
McCann signs five-year deal with Yankees
MLB to step up security, use metal detectors in 2014
Cardinals trade Freese to Angels in four-player swap
Read More

Athletics

Report: Angels agree to deal with reliever Joe Smith
A's converting Jeremy Barfield to pitcher
Pros and Cons: Is Mujica a risk worth taking?
Pros and Cons: Do A's have room for Kendrys Morales?
Read More

Sharks

LIVE: Devils vs. Sharks
Devils aim for California sweep against Sharks
Jagr impressed with fellow Czech Hertl
In the Crease: Sharks welcome streaking Devils
Read More

49ers

Harbaugh keeps door open for Crabtree return
49ers-Redskins matchup No. 3: Tramaine Brock vs. Pierre Garcon
Brock's deal clouds future for Brown, Rogers
NFL suspends umpire Roy Ellison
Read More

Raiders

Titans-Raiders matchup No. 1: Tennessee pass defense vs. McGloin
Raiders place Criner on IR, add WR Jenkins
McGloin, Munchak face off in 'Electric City Bowl'
Titans-Raiders matchup No. 2: Johnson vs. Burnett
Read More

Warriors

LIVE: Blazers vs. Warriors
Stephen Curry cleared, will play
Iguodala out indefinitely with hamstring strain
Bulls' Rose needs knee surgery, out indefinitely
Read More

NCAA

Fresno State thumps New Mexico, remains undefeated
Stanford dismantles Cal 63-13 in Big Game
USF holds off Montana for 75-74 victory
Fales enters SJSU record books in triple overtime loss
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Hudson pens 'thank you' message to Braves, fans
HardballTalk.com

More Stories

McCann signs five-year deal with Yankees
MLB to step up security, use metal detectors in 2014
(10)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Giants sign Lopez pending physical
Giants sign Lopez pending physical
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Cardinals trade Freese to Angels in four-player swap
Cubs hire former Giants 3B Mueller as hitting coach

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Report: Angels agree to deal with reliever Joe Smith
HardballTalk.com

More Stories

A's converting Jeremy Barfield to pitcher
Pros and Cons: Is Mujica a risk worth taking?
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

YSTL -- What's Trending? Josh Reddick loses 'beard-off challenge'
YSTL -- What's Trending? Josh Reddick loses 'beard-off challenge'
See more >

A's TALK

Pros and Cons: Do A's have room for Kendrys Morales?
A's Sizemore elects free agency
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

LIVE: Devils vs. Sharks
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Devils aim for California sweep against Sharks
(1)
Jagr impressed with fellow Czech Hertl
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

McLellan: 'It has to turn into production'
McLellan: 'It has to turn into production'
See more >

Features

In the Crease: Sharks welcome streaking Devils
Sharks' Nieto waits for chance to return to lineup

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Devils aim for California sweep against Sharks
  • Jagr impressed with fellow Czech Hertl
  • In the Crease: Sharks welcome streaking Devils
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: Blazers vs. Warriors
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Stephen Curry cleared, will play
Iguodala out indefinitely with hamstring strain
(3)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Highlights: Injury bug bites as Warriors flounder in L.A.
Highlights: Injury bug bites as Warriors flounder in L.A.
See more >

Features

Bulls' Rose needs knee surgery, out indefinitely
Santa Cruz Warriors add Hilton Armstrong

MONTE POOLE

There is no data to display.

  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Sacramento unveils proposal for new Kings arena
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Kings can't complete upset, fall late to Clippers
Kings eye three-game win streak in L.A. matinee
See more >

Watch

Highlights: Kings beat Suns for first road win
Highlights: Kings beat Suns for first road win
See more >

Features

Kings send rookie McCallum to Reno Bighorns
Kings hold on, complete home-and-home sweep of Suns

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Harbaugh keeps door open for Crabtree return
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

49ers-Redskins matchup No. 3: Tramaine Brock vs. Pierre Garcon
(9)
Brock's deal clouds future for Brown, Rogers
(11)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Harbaugh on Brock: 'Great success story'
Harbaugh on Brock: 'Great success story'
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

49ers Week 11 Rewind: All facets responsible for loss to Saints
(101)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Titans-Raiders matchup No. 1: Tennessee pass defense vs. McGloin
Scott Bair

More Stories

Raiders place Criner on IR, add WR Jenkins
(1)
McGloin, Munchak face off in 'Electric City Bowl'
(1)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: McGloin playing with the confidence beyond his years
YSTL: McGloin playing with the confidence beyond his years
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 10 Rewind: Woodson's speech doesn't alter outcome
(10)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Mexico survives nightmare, makes World Cup
Associated Press

More Stories

Earthquakes forward called on by U.S. Soccer
First steel column laid in Quakes' new stadium
(1)
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants, Lopez deal is done pending physical
(9)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Fast Forward: W's limp out of L.A. to face NBA's hottest
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Harbaugh keeps door open for Crabtree return
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Titans-Raiders matchup No. 1: Tennessee pass defense vs. McGloin
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Devils aim for California sweep against Sharks
(1)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Brooks blows chance to make Goodell, NFL pay fine

TOP STORIES

  • LIVE: Devils vs. Sharks
  • Devils aim for California sweep against Sharks
  • Jagr impressed with fellow Czech Hertl

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

TEXT ALERTS

Be the first to know. Sign up for breaking news text alerts!

NCAA

Fales enters SJSU record books in triple overtime loss
Santa Clara Broncos fall to Notre Dame 84-69

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Harbaugh on Brock: 'Great success story'
Harbaugh on Brock: 'Great success story'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers Insider
  • Scott Bair - Raiders Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks Insider
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California