Logan Couture didn't reference Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc by name after Tuesday's overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres, but the San Jose Sharks captain made it clear he wasn't happy with their decision that preceded the game-winning goal.
"Just an inexcusable change. Two guys that stayed out too long looking for offense," Couture told reporters afterward. "It's a selfish play that doesn't need to be part of this team, so we'll figure that out."
Meier and Labanc were both on the ice for nearly 90 seconds of the extra frame (1:28 and 1:22, respectively) before going off with the Sabres controlling the puck and pushing to enter the Sharks' defensive zone.
Couture and Joe Thornton came over the boards to replace them, but it was too late, as Brent Burns was forced to defend a two-on-one that led to Jack Eichel's winner for Buffalo.
Meier and Labanc have struggled to find their footing on the offensive end this season. They've each collected two goals and two assists in nine games.
On July 1, Meier inked a four-year contract extension reportedly worth $24 million following a 66-point campaign. One week later, Labanc signed a one-year deal for a reported $1 million on the heels of his 56-point output in 2018-19.
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