Stars' Pavelski returns, scores four in 'epic' Game 1 effort - ESPN

DALLAS — Joe Pavelski scored four goals for the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night after missing the final five games of the opening round while in concussion protocol.

His efforts weren't enough to save the Stars from a 1-0 hole, however, as the Kraken escaped with a 5-4 victory in overtime.

Pavelski's fourth goal of the night with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third period tied the game at 4. He swatted a puck in the net out of mid-air.

According to ESPN Stats & Information research, at 38 years and 295 days old, Pavelski became the oldest player with a four-goal game in playoff history. The milestone was previously held by Maurice Richard (35 years, 245 days), who accomplished it in Game 1 of the 1957 Stanley Cup Final as his Montreal Canadiens took on the Boston Bruins.

«Epic. Epic. Shame we wasted it and didn't win,» Dallas coach Peter DeBoer said of Pavelski's effort. «That's on our group.… He tried to drag us to a win tonight.»

Yanni Gourde scored 12:17 into the extra session, and Seattle — after defeating the Colorado Avalanche in Round 1 — kept up the momentum with a road victory. The second-year Kraken received goals from five different players after 15 different players scored in the first round.

«I loved our response,» Gourde said. «I loved our composure.… We trusted that the process was going to get it done.»

A subdued Pavelski downplayed the impact of his effort, focusing more on the game's result.

«I was excited to be back, that's for sure,» he said. «Starting the game was just as much fun. But, obviously, a tough loss. You want to get those.»

Pavelski scored twice in the first period, his first goal being a 25-foot wrister only 2 1/2 minutes