The Dallas Stars are back in their series against the Seattle Kraken and a big part of it is veteran Joe Pavelski. With five goals in two games, you don’t have to look far to find this team’s most valuable player so far.
The 38-year-old American seems to refuse to grow old, which serves him well as he tries at all costs to win a first Stanley Cup. His net is the one that made the difference in a 4-2 win on Thursday night and leveled the series 1-1.
Read also: Hungry Stars level the odds against the Kraken
Read also: The Maple Leafs are in trouble
Read also: Paul Maurice did not expect such a performance
Like a certain Mr. Perfect, a former WWE wrestler who was known to be good at everything, Pavelski impresses his teammates with his versatility. In addition, he missed the majority of the playoff schedule due to injury.
“I don’t know if he’s bad at anything, whether it’s golf, card games or air table hockey,” forward Tyler Seguin admitted in a press briefing after the game. We wanted to win that first round for him and he came back. He gave us five goals in six periods, so we want more from him.”
A student who learns well
This season, the Pavelski family has a boarder at home, 19-year-old forward Wyatt Johnston. The teenager picked up two points in this game against the Kraken. Something is brewing in this home, according to Seguin.
“I don’t know what they’re eating in the Pavelski family right now, but Mrs. Pavelski must be cooking well, because they’re on fire,” he laughed.
Pavelski put the whole team on his shoulders on Tuesday with a four-goal night in a 5-4 losing cause. By scoring in the second period on the power play, he edged Gordie Howe for 20th in league history. National League for playoff success. Among active players, the American and his 69 goals are second only to Alexander Ovechkin (72) and Sidney Crosby (71).
Appropriate reaction
The Stars had left the Kraken to maneuver as they pleased during the first clash before finally waking up late to force an overtime. This time, the effort was constant.
“We were looking for an answer and I knew we would find one,” head coach Peter DeBoer said. It is our identity. We knew that we hadn’t imposed our game long enough in the first game. We wanted to make sure we gave a 60 minute effort tonight [jeudi] and I think we got that from everyone.”
“I think it’s critical at this time of year,” added goaltender Jake Oettinger. The big teams, the ones that went all the way, their records are always good after a defeat. They get over it, they take the positive and learn from the negative and quickly forget [la défaite]. These series are long and each meeting is important. So it all depends on the reaction.”
It is Sunday that the Stars will resume the necklace, this time at the Climate Pledge Arena. The game will be broadcast on TVA Sports starting at 9:30 p.m.