What was expected to be an entertaining first-round series between the Stars and Wild took a huge turn in Game 1 on Monday night.
Dallas veteran Joe Pavelski took a massive hit from Wild defenseman Matt Dumba in the second period, getting blindsided and going down in a heap.
The hit ignited chaos, as both sides went at it and punches were thrown.
This is brutal. Gotta hope Pavelski’s alright but certainly doesn’t look good pic.twitter.com/C3ide5GEsE
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 18, 2023
Dumba received a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, but Dallas winger Max Domi was hit with a 10-minute major penalty for retaliating and going after Dumba.
Pavelski exited the game, leaving the Stars shorthanded at least temporarily.
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Here’s what we know about Pavelski’s injury status after the hit by Dumba.
Joe Pavelski injury update
The right side of Pavelski’s body took the brunt of the hit, and he remained down as his teammates brawled with members of the Wild. He was able to get to his knees after about 30 seconds but had to be taken down the tunnel with some help.
Absolutely hate that for Joe Pavelski, especially when you factor in his history in the playoffs in San Jose. Just gut-wrenching to see him being helped off the ice like that. Straight down the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/au4E8H2Ofg
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) April 18, 2023
There was no immediate update on Pavelski’s injuries by the Stars, but he didn’t return to the bench in the second period. That’s not a surprise considering the amount of pain he appeared to be in when exiting the ice.
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Pavelski had been handling the puck until just before the hit, skating alongside Ryan Hartman before Dumba came in and rocked him. The Stars were leading 2-1 at the time, with Pavelski assisting on Dallas’ second goal.
Pavelski is seeking his first championship after falling short in the Stanley Cup Final with both the Sharks and Stars. Dallas’ Stanley Cup hopes would take a significant hit if the 38-year-old’s injuries are significant enough for an extended absence.