Sharks winger Tomas Hertl out for Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks, desperately trying to stay competitive in the Stanley Cup Final, will be without top line winger Tomas Hertl in Game 3.

“He's arguably been maybe our best player through the first two games,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said.

DeBoer confirmed Hertl (11 points, +8 in 20 games) will be sidelined with an undisclosed lower body injury. Dainius Zubrus will return to the lineup, but Melker Karlsson likely will take Hertl’s spot on the top line with Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton.

Hertl’s loss is significant for the Sharks who trail 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Only five teams in NHL history have come back from an 0-2 deficit to win the Stanley Cup. The Sharks are looking to put a charge into their offense in Game 3.

“That whole line works well together,” Penguins defenseman Ian Cole said. “Thornton is a pass-first guy (who) can dish the puck with the best guys in the league. Obviously you have Pavelski who still skates well, but is more of a shoot-first guy, finding that soft ice in the pocket well. You have Hertl who seemingly does everything well.”