Sharks' Couture on elite playoff points pace

Through three rounds of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Logan Couture has already put himself in elite company.

In Wednesday's Game 6 victory over the St. Louis Blues, the San Jose Sharks forward posted his third three-point game of the postseason, all of which have been earned in series-clinching wins.

Only two others players in NHL history have accomplished the same feat.

And with 24 points in 18 games, Couture has produced more than any player in the 2015, 2012 or 2011 playoffs, and he's only two points behind the postseason scoring leaders in 2014 or 2013.

His point total through 18 games has also put him in elite company.

Couture, who was drafted ninth overall by the Sharks in 2007, had recorded 36 points in 56 postseason games prior to this year.

Add it all up, and the 27-year-old has emerged as the top Conn Smythe Trophy candidate on a team that features three top-10 regular-season scorers in Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, and Joe Thornton.

Looking back, that Couture missed 30 games this year due to injury may have been a blessing in disguise, as he certainly seems to be playing with fresh legs.