Pavelski says play that injured him wasn't penalty

Joe Pavelski believes his San Jose Sharks got away with one when he was injured in Game 7 of their first-round series versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

Pavelski was sent hard to the ice on a faceoff play when he collided with Cody Eakin and Paul Stastny. The officials called a five-minute cross-checking major on Eakin, even though there was no contact to Pavelski's head.

San Jose proceeded to score four goals on the ensuing power play and ultimately clinched the series in overtime to conclude one of the craziest playoff games in recent memory.

The controversial referee decision set the hockey world ablaze, and Pavelski, speaking for the first time since his injury, admitted he thought the call was wrong.

"Was it a five-minute penalty? No. Am I glad they called it that way? Yes," Pavelski said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis.

Pavelski hasn't played since the incident and told reporters that he suffered through concussion symptoms and a pressure cut that required staples.

The Sharks captain is traveling with the team to Colorado as it seeks to eliminate the Avalanche on Monday, but he still doesn't have a timeline for a potential return to the lineup.