Sharks' Pavelski makes series debut in Game 7 vs. Avalanche
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San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski is in the lineup for Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, the team announced.
Pavelski hasn't played since suffering a head injury against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 of the first round. He was cross-checked off a faceoff by Cody Eakin and laid motionless on the ice with blood dripping from his helmet after falling awkwardly. The play controversially resulted in a five-minute major for Eakin, which propelled an incredible comeback by the Sharks.
The 34-year-old led San Jose with 38 goals during the regular season. He provides a critical net-front presence on the power play and is the team's only right-handed faceoff man.