Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski is currently under observation to determine his participation in Game 6 of the first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild. Pavelski sustained a concussion in the second period of Game 1 of the series after being hit by Wild forward Ryan Hartman’s stick in the face. Pavelski fell to the ground and hit his head on the ice. Mason Marchment and a team trainer helped him off the ice.
Recovery
Pavelski has been undergoing concussion protocol since the incident and has not played since April 17. Stars coach Peter DeBoer said on Wednesday that Pavelski is “getting better every day” and is expected to practice on Thursday. Pavelski did not travel with the team to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4 of the series.
The Game
Pavelski, 38, had supplied an assist in Game 1 of the series before the injury. He had recorded 77 points (28 goals, 49 assists) while playing all 82 games of the regular season. The Stars currently hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with a chance to clinch in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday. Pavelski’s participation in the game will be a game-time decision.
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