Sharks may be without Thornton for Canucks' visit

The San Jose Sharks want to use their last three regular-season games to gather momentum heading into the playoffs as they aim for a second straight Stanley Cup final appearance.

The yet-to-be determined status of Joe Thornton and the continued absence of Logan Couture makes it hard to remain positive.

The Sharks begin their final homestand Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, who will try to avoid being swept in the season series.

Thornton sustained an apparent left knee injury when he collided with the Canucks' Michael Chaput late in the first period of the Sharks' 3-1 victory on Sunday in Vancouver. Thornton had his knee buckle, and he was unable to put any weight on his leg while…