Golden Gate Sports
Fansided

San Jose Sharks: Joe Pavelski shines in his return

By Rebecca Wasik

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 08: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 8, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 08: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates after he scored a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 8, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Spoiler Alert: The San Jose Sharks are headed to the Western Conference Final. The return of captain Joe Pavelski was just what the team needed to close out Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski suffered a head injury in Game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights. As Joe Thornton held a towel to Pavelski’s bleeding head, he was helped off the ice by his teammates.

From then on, a fire was lit under the rest of the team. The Sharks beat the Golden Knights for Pavs that night and continued to win for him until his triumphant return.

Pavelski required eight staples in his head and suffered a concussion, according to USA Today. This coming after deflecting a puck off his mouth to score a goal in Game 1 against the Knights. He lost several teeth which were seen laying on the ice as he skated away into the locker room covering his mouth. Pavelski visited the dentist the following day, but his head injury was a whole different story.

More from San Jose Sharks

The Sharks battled with the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-3 series tie without Pavelski as he recovered. He continued to FaceTime with his teammates after their games and even showed up to “The Tank” in a suit during Game 5 against the Avs, which fans were evidently elated to see.

It was decided that whether Pavelski would play or not in Game 7 would be a game-time decision. Fast-forward to Wednesday night, Pavs was ready to get back on the ice with his teammates…and he certainly did not disappoint.

In the first period, he scored a goal and assisted on another. It was like something out of a movie. He fell right back into his role as team captain and didn’t miss a beat.

While Pavelski was out, Logan Couture made a huge impact for the Sharks. After defeating the Avalanche, Couture reiterated how much their captain means to the team and how amazing it was to see him back out on the ice again so shortly after a gruesome head injury.

"“He played unbelievable for a guy that missed playoff action for two weeks,” teammate Logan Couture said after Wednesday’s win. “To have the injuries that he has, coming back, and set up a goal, scored a goal. I wish I could tell you what he’s gone through from seeing it firsthand. You wouldn’t believe that he’s playing right now, let’s just say that. He played unbelievable.”"

To see the Sharks win two Game 7’s in the same postseason has been amazing. With Pavelski being a 13-year Sharks veteran and Joe Thornton nearing the end of his career, it is time for the franchise to win their first ever Stanley Cup.

Next. San Jose Sharks: Previewing the St. Louis Blues series. dark

Their postseason has been incredibly exciting so far and the boys in teal and their fans deserve it. The captain has shown the strength at the base of this Sharks team. If they continue playing with this resilience, I think they have a great chance of obtaining their first Cup.

The Sharks will play the St. Louis Blues in the next round of the playoffs which begin on Saturday at the Tank.

Home/San Jose Sharks