Joe Pavelski saved the Dallas Stars for one more night, scoring the overtime winner in Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Being an elderly gentleman nearing the doors of death, it was a remarkable feat that Pavelski even got out of bed this morning.
Joe Pavelski (38 years, 318 days) became the oldest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal in a potential elimination game, surpassing Chris Kunitz (37 years, 241 days in Game 7 of 2017 CF w/ PIT). #StanleyCup#NHLStats: https://t.co/rVw8DH2voO pic.twitter.com/0o091by5XP
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 26, 2023
Full credit on this fact, though. More playoff goals than Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin. That takes talent.
Most career postseason goals among active players
Joe Pavelski 73
Alex Ovechkin 72
Sidney Crosby 71
Evgeni Malkin 67#TexasHockey— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 26, 2023
It looks like Jason Robertson is finally waking up in the playoffs, as he scored twice and held the vast majority of chances in the game. Alas, it might be too little, too late as the Stars will still be facing elimination on Saturday night.
VGK 2 at DAL 3
Robertson was a one-man wrecking crew; better chances came off his stick than the top four golden knights players combined.
All game charts: https://t.co/9ELmD53lr7 pic.twitter.com/tdbFbMANlb
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) May 26, 2023
Lightning Links
The new NHLPA executive group is pushing their weight around and seeing how far they can take it. On one hand, it’s important to have a strong union and one that will stand up for players in all areas. On the other hand, this is silly.
The story below goes into good detail on the “conflict of interest” opportunities that might have been possible, but points out there’s no indication anything was even close to happening.
The ECHL have announced the opening schedule for next season. The Solar Bears will play the Florida Everblades, who are currently in the playoff semifinals.
The Champions Hockey League, an in-season tournament held between the winning/top club teams in Europe, have made some innovative changes to special teams for next season. I gotta say I like them all. To me, it looks like this will increase the desire to score shorthanded goals at the very least.
Some interesting rule changes for @championshockey next year:
-A team will remain shorthanded even if the opposing team score.
-A minor penalty will be served even if a goal is scored while a delayed penalty is pending.
-If a shorthanded team score, the minor penalty will end.— Gord Miller 🌻🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) May 25, 2023
The Memorial Cup begins tonight in Kamloops (Game 1 at 9pm against Quebec). The Blazers will be wearing this commemorative jersey to honour veterans from all indigenous nations and communities.
A #MemorialCup tradition.
As hosts, @blazerhockey will wear this commemorative jersey in their tournament opener Friday night! pic.twitter.com/L66Nd2MhGG
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 26, 2023
Here’s a preview of the tournament from Tony Ferrari at THN.
The Memorial Cup is here and the best of the best from the CHL are ready to compete!
I did a jam packed preview of the #MemorialCup for @TheHockeyNews with analysis on each team, an x-factor, and sleeper for each squad!
— Tony Ferrari (@theTonyFerrari) May 25, 2023
Sports are fun, they said.
The idea of being a hockey fan vs actually being a hockey fan pic.twitter.com/Ow90SX3Abv
— Nick (@NickZararis) May 25, 2023