Couture, Sharks waiting out Bay Area coronavirus lockdown

Logan Couture has spent most of his time since the NHL pause because of coronavirus concerns on lockdown in the Bay Area, observing some of the strictest procedures in the United States.

The Northern California region was one of the first to be hit hard by the pandemic and one of the first to issue a stay-at-home order to its residents.
"It's tough," the San Jose Sharks captain said Friday during a video call arranged by the NHL. "I've tried to stay inside as much as possible, but when I have gone out, it's been small businesses and restaurants that have been good to me.
"That's a big message here: Support your local business, your small businesses. Try and help them get through this. We're all in it together."

The NHL paused its season March 12. On March 16, the governments of six Bay Area counties issued an order to ensure everyone remained at home, other than for certain jobs, grocery shopping and essential activities; the order has been enforced by police and local sheriff's offices.
Couture stayed in the San Jose area rather than going home to Guelph, Ontario, because of visa issues. He has been with his girlfriend during the isolation period.
"I think people here in Santa Clara have bought into what the government's told them, the social distancing and staying 6 feet away from people when you are out," Couture said. "I see it when I go to the grocery store, stuff like that. They've done a good job here. Just try to stay strong."
Couture has played only for the Sharks in his 11-season NHL career after being selected by San Jose with the No. 9 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. He has 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) in 52 games this season, with San Jose last in the Western Conference, 15 points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.
The forward said he has had trouble finding ways to work out with the Sharks facilities closed. He ordered a Peloton about 10 days ago, which he said is scheduled to arrive Saturday.
"I'm looking forward to that," he said. "I haven't really been able to do much. I'm trying to stay in as good a shape as possible, body-weight stuff. I'm not in the best shape. I'll get it going though."
There was one bright spot for Couture: At least he's not under quarantine with San Jose center Joe Thornton, the player he answered as the least desirable of his teammates to be with during a lockdown.
"Jumbo, I don't know how he's surviving now," Couture said. "If he can't go to the rink, he's lost."