The Dallas Stars opened their second-round series against the Seattle Kraken with one of their top forwards back in the lineup as Joe Pavelski returned from injury.
And the impact was felt immediately, as Pavelski scored a hat trick — becoming the second oldest player to do that in the playoffs.
Pavelski was placed in concussion protocol after he was on the receiving end of a massive hit by Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba midway through Game 1 of their first-round series. He was sidelined the rest of the series, but as he progressed last week, he was considered a game-time decision ahead of Game 6 — an eventual 4-1 Dallas victory to wrap up the series.
Pavelski, who had an assist in Game 1 before the injury, is coming off another strong season with the Stars. The 38-year-old registered 28 goals and 77 points while lining up on Dallas' top line, and his presence — particularly in his usual net-front office — and reputation as a clutch playoff performer bring a massive boost to Dallas' hopes of getting through Seattle's deep lineup. In 169 career post-season games, Pavelski has 126 points.
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