Sharks' Pavelski listed day-to-day, unlikely to play in Game 1

San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski is unlikely to suit up for Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday after suffering a head injury in Game 7 against the Vegas Golden Knights, head coach Pete DeBoer told the media Thursday, per the team.

Pavelski sustained the injury with just over 10 minutes to play in the third period of Tuesday's first-round elimination contest. The 34-year-old fell awkwardly to the ice and landed directly on his head after being cross-checked by Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin. He had to be helped off by his teammates and didn't return to the game.

Eakin was handed a controversial five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct on the play. The penalty resulted in the Sharks staging one of the most memorable comebacks in NHL postseason history.

Pavelski has recorded 46 goals and 95 points in 128 playoff contests, all with San Jose. He chipped in two goals and two assists over seven games against the Golden Knights.