San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski hasn’t geared up in his team’s second round series against the Colorado Avalanche, but his health appears to be getting back on track.
Pavelski was sidelined in game 7 against the Vegas Golden Knights in their first round series after getting cross-checked by Cody Eakin and awkwardly colliding with Paul Stastny on his way to the ice. The Sharks are coming off of a 3-0 shutout defeat and could use some offense from their captain, however, they’ll have to wait at least until Game 6 for that to happen. Head Coach Pete DeBoer stated that the 34-year-old is “doing better” but will not be in the lineup on Saturday.
Pavelski led the Sharks with 38 goals during the regular season and was enjoing a strong postseason with 2 goals and 2 assists through 6 2/3 games before the injury. As history tells it, the five minute major he drew sparked a remarkable four goal comeback (down 3-0) and eventually helped San Jose clinch the series 5-4 in overtime.
Pavelski began skating again on May 1 but a strict timetable has not been nailed down. With the series now a best of three, they’re hoping to get him back ASAP.
The Sharks will surely get a boost if he can eventually make his way back into the lineup.
(H/T Pierre LeBrun)
