EDMONTONBrent Burns hobbled his way into the Sharks dressing room to meet with reporters following his knee-on-knee collision with Edmontons Ales Hemsky in Monday nights 2-1 shootout loss to the Oilers.
Burns left the game at 5:37 of the third period without putting any weight on his right leg after the dangerous looking play.
I just tried going down the wall, and I think it was just a reaction, and it didnt feel too good on my part, Burns said of the incident.
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The Sharks defenseman didnt immediately leave the ice, opting to stay on the bench for a few minutes before he was helped up the tunnel and to the locker room.
At the start you dont feel very good. Youre pretty hot. I thought I was going to throw up, he said. Just hang out for a bit, and then go off the ice.
In what could be viewed as a positive, Burns said he did not feel anything pop in the knee, which is often the case with major tears.
McLellan optimistically ruled Burns as doubtful for the Sharks-Flames game in Calgary in San Joses final match before the All-Star break.
San Jose Sharks
Theyre still evaluating. I know he doesnt feel good. I would doubt that hes going to play for us tomorrow, and the doctors and the medical group have to really evaluate him to give us an update, said the coach.
The Sharks have seven healthy defensemen, but McLellan is still worried about San Joses prized offseason acquisition.
Very high level of concern. Its knee-on-knee, he doesnt return, and you see him in there hes not walking very well. I am concerned.
Burns didnt blame Hemsky, who received a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play, when it was suggested to him that Hemsky is not the type of player to dole out dirty hits.
For sure, he isnt, I know that. It happens. Its a quick game, and just a quick reaction. Ive been on the other end. Its quick, and its not his fault, I know that, Burns said.