Sharks Place Smith, Kurashev on IR After Penguins Game

The San Jose Sharks placed forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev on injured reserve Monday, sidelining the duo for at least the team's upcoming three-game homestand after both sustained injuries in Saturday's 6-5 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Smith and Kurashev, who had been centering the Sharks' top line alongside rookie Macklin Celebrini, were hurt during the game at PPG Paints Arena. Kurashev crashed hard into the end boards in the Penguins' zone midway through the second period following a check from a Pittsburgh player. The hit drew no penalty, and Kurashev headed to the bench for treatment before sitting out the third period. Later, with 16:30 remaining in the third, Smith turned away from an oncoming check by Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon and slammed into the boards during a Sharks power play. Smith skated off clutching his right arm, removing one glove en route to the bench, and did not return. The Sharks described Smith's injury as upper body, while details on Kurashev's remain undisclosed. The immediate aftermath saw Celebrini confront Wotherspoon, leading to a brief scrum on the ice.

The injuries come at a challenging time for San Jose,...