SAN JOSE -- The Sharks lost their captain, but they made the Vegas Golden Knights pay.
Joe Pavelski needed to be assisted off of the ice after a nasty collision in the third period of Game 7 of San Jose’s first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. San Jose’s captain drew a five-minute major penalty, and the Sharks responded with four power-play goals to overcome a 3-0 deficit.
Pavelski left the third period of Game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs Tuesday night, colliding awkwardly with Vegas Golden Knights forward Paul Stastny after Vegas forward Cody Eakin cross-checked him just after an offensive-zone face-off.
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Pavelski went limp after his head appeared to hit ice, and the play was blown dead seconds later. Sharks trainers rushed out to provide Pavelski medical attention.
The Sharks responded on the scoreboard. Eakin was assessed a five-minute major, and the Sharks scored two goals within the first minute of the ensuing power play. Logan Couture cut the Vegas lead to 3-1, and Tomas Hertl made it a one-goal game.
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2:44 after Hertl’s goal, Couture scored again to tie the game.
Just 28 seconds later, Kevin Labanc sent SAP Center into bedlam with the go-ahead goal.
Suddenly, with minutes remaining in Game 7, the Sharks became the first team in the series to take the lead after trailing, thanks to an historic surge with the man advantage.
The @SanJoseSharks scored four power-play goals in a span of 4:01 to take a 4-3 lead in #Game7.
That matches the NHL record for power-play goals in a playoff period. #NHLStats #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/5e44tU3Xx6
Four goals on one power play:
1.7.11 Leafs over Thrashers
2.9.18 Isles over Wings
What a turn of events.