Daily Deke: Logan Couture is making a name for himself

Ever since Logan Couture filled in for Joe Thornton on the top line while Jumbo was serving a suspension, Couture has taken off.  From logging anywhere from 14 to 15 minutes each game on the third line for the Sharks, Couture has now found himself on the second line with Joe Pavelski and Ryan Clowe, with his ice time hovering around 20 minutes per game and is currently tied for the team lead in goals with seven.  Couture has not only helped himself out on this line, he’s also helped jump start Pavelski, who now has seven points over his last four games.

Here are some of the other matchups from tonight’s six NHL games.

After a big comeback win against the Predators, the Toronto Maple Leafs hope to start another winning streak.  Despite his bone-head move during the last game(fast forward to 0:50 seconds), Mikhail Grabovski has collected five points over his last three games and has scored in three straight games.

Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins return home after a big win against the Rangers and have now won two in a row. Don’t look now, but the Florida Panthers have won three of their last four games behind the strong play of Tomas Vokoun, who could receive a night of rest tonight.

After a terrific start to the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have struggled during the month of November due to injuries among other things. Steven Stamkos has been one of the best players in the NHL this season, but he can’t do everything, so the Bolts will need to rely on offensive support from guys like Steve Downie, Teddy Purcell, and Ryan Malone.

Although the Philadelphia Flyers were shutout by the Habs during their last game, the team is still 9-1-1 over their last 11 games and have had plenty of good offensive support from guys like Claude Giroux and Mike Richards among others.  Along with the offensive support, rookie Sergei Bobrovsky has helped the Flyers tremendously this season and will be making his 12th straight start for the team tonight.

Pekka Rinne will look to bounce back after allowing four power play goals during the second period on Monday against the Leafs.  Rinne and the Nashville Predators will have their hands full with the Canadiens and Carey Price, who has won his last four starts and hasn’t allowed more than two goals during any game in the four game span.

Coming off a big win against the Anaheim Ducks, Brad Richards and the Dallas Stars look to continue their homestand with another win against the visiting Sharks.  Richards has three points over his last two games and has played well against the Sharks over his career, collecting 16 points (seven goals) during 19 career games.

You can follow @dailyfaceoff on Twitter for hockey news and notes. You can also follow Reggie on Twitter at @fakehockey.  Be sure to check out the Starting Goalies section for your fantasy starters tonight and the Team Lineups page.