Pavelski Could Return This Series vs Avalanche

San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski could return for the second round series against the Colorado Avalanche.

The center suffered an undisclosed injury in Game 7 of the first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. It injured Pavelski in the third period when he was cross-checked by Vegas forward Cody Eakin near the faceoff. After he was cross-checked, he lost his balance and rammed down by Paul Stastny, hitting head first onto the ice. His teammates carried him off the ice. The injury on the ice led to a five minute major for Eakin. The penalty was controversial for the Golden Knights elimination.

Pavelski injury. Head hits the ice. Not good. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/rx3I590k6B

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) April 24, 2019

Insider Scoop

According to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, Pavelski’s progress and return remain to be unknown at the moment.  Head coach Peter DeBoer said the injury could’ve been a lot worst. DeBoer stated that Pavelski was back to skating on Wednesday and Facetimed his teammates after Tuesday night win.

“What I do know about Pavelski is that he’s been around the team and was at the game last night. Just the fact that he’s able to be around his teammates is a positive. Pete DeBoer also indicated last week that the injury could have been much worse, like a fractured skull, so thankfully that wasn’t the case. But I do get the sense that we’re not too close to seeing him return for a game. Often with a concussion you’ll see the player skate first and then the medical staff will wait and see how his body reacts to the physical exertion. So until we see the captain skating — and pushing himself hard — there’s no reason to believe he’s going to play in the immediate future. I’d be mildly surprised if we saw him at all in this series.”

It is good news for Pavelski and the Sharks. They should take precaution about this serious injury as they lead the series 2-1 over the Colorado Avalanche. Game 4 will start on Thursday; 10 P.M. on NBCSN.

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