Pavelski game-time decision for Stars in Game 6 of West 1st Round

DALLAS -- Joe Pavelski will be a game-time decision for the Dallas Stars against the Minnesota Wild for Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday (9:30 p.m. ET; TBS, SN360, TVAS2, BSN, BSWI, BSSW).

The forward, who hasn't played since Game 1 of the series, was full partcipant in the Stars optional skate on Friday.
"I think we'll see how he feels after everyone gets off the ice today and then we'll make some decisions going forward here," coach Peter DeBoer said Friday.
The forward has not played since April 17 because of a concussion sustained during the second period of Game 1. He was checked by Wild defenseman Matt Dumba; at the same time, Pavelski was hit in the face by the stick of Minnesota forward Ryan Hartman when the stick got caught between Dumba and Pavelski.
Pavelski's head hit the ice when he fell, and he was helped off by teammate Mason Marchment and a trainer. He was placed into concussion protocol April 19, the same day as Game 2.
The 38-year-old skated with several Stars scratches Monday and took part in the morning skate Tuesday, before Dallas defeated Minnesota 4-0 in Game 5 of the best-of-7 series, which the Stars lead 3-2.
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DeBoer, who also coached Pavelski when they were each with the San Jose Sharks, said his return would be a big boost for Dallas.
"I mean I'm a little biased, right? Obviously this guy, I've seen what he can do this time of year with teams I've coached in the past and just having him around the team on this trip and them seeing the progress he's made from when he got hurt in Game 1, I think is uplifting," DeBoer said. "Obviously the next step putting him in our lineup, that brings a whole other dimension for us of our game, of leadership, of everything. I mean, I talk endlessly about him, but he's that impactful a guy for our group."
DeBoer said if Pavelski does play, it will be full-speed ahead.
"I don't think there's any working Joe Pavelski in slowly," DeBoer said. "I don't think that would fly with him. I think if he's going to play, he wants to play."
DeBoer said Thursday that Pavelski has been a strong presence around the Stars despite not being in the lineup.
"He adds, whether he's playing or not playing, just being around our group. He has such a presence and has such a good feel for what needs to be said or not said," DeBoer said. "But obviously if he's in the lineup, he's a game-changer in a lot of different areas for us. We'll see. Cross our fingers."
Pavelski had one assist in Game 1. While he's been out others, including forward Tyler Seguin (four goals), have filled in to help the Stars get a lead in the series.
"I mean [depth is] everything come this time of year and that's why you see (general manager) Jim Nill go out and get (forwards) Max Domi and Evgenii Dadonov," DeBoer said Wednesday. Domi was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 2 and Dadonov in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 26.
"And it's why we brought up some of our best players from the American (Hockey) League, (defenseman) Thomas Harley, (forward Fredrik) Olofsson, on and on. You need depth. You've got to have interchangeable parts. It's a war of attrition this time of year. There's injuries, there are all kinds of things that go on. You have to have a next-man-up mentality where your team doesn't dwell on that kind of stuff. I think we've done a real good job with that obviously with a key piece out."
Pavelski had 77 points (28 goals, 49 assists) in 82 regular-season games, third on the Stars behind forwards Jason Robertson (109 points) and Jamie Benn (78 points). His 13 power-play goals tied Robertson and Benn for the Dallas lead.
Pavelski previously sustained a concussion when, as captain of the Sharks in Game 7 of the first round in 2019, he was cross-checked by Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin following a face-off and then run into by Golden Knights forward Paul Stastny, knocking an off-balance Pavelski to the ice. He hit his head and had to be helped to the dressing room.
Pavelski returned in Game 7 of the second round against the Colorado Avalanche and had a goal and an assist to help the Sharks advance to the conference final, where they lost to the eventual Cup champion St. Louis Blues in six games.
DeBoer discounted the idea of holding Pavelski out for a Game 7 since the Stars lead the series.
"It's an elimination game," DeBoer said. "Game 4, 5, 6 or 7 it's an elimination game and you know, when you get a chance to eliminate a team, you don't think about another chance a couple of days from now.