Joe Pavelski, out
due to injury sustained in Game 7
of the Western Conference First Round against the Vegas Golden Knights, made an appearance at SAP Center on Saturday.
The Sharks captain came out of the tunnel dressed in a grey suit with a teal tie that matched the Sharks home jerseys and fired up the home crowd during Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round. He also sported an ear-to-ear smile.
Pavelski whipped around a Sharks towel and then handed the towel off to a young fan seated nearly the railing. As requested, Pavelski got a high five from the kid.
"I didn't know it was going to happen but it gives you a chill type moment, you know, that type of ovation," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. "I think our coaching staff would give him the same ovation when we find out he's back."
"We just got a power play, and I was lined up, and there was a loud cheer. I figured something was going on. Took a look up at the Jumbotron and there he was," Sharks goalie Martin Jones said. "No one knew he was going to do that. That was as loud as this building gets. I mean, that was reminiscent of Game 7 against Vegas, how loud that was. So pretty cool moment. Had goosebumps on the ice."
The Sharks won Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche, 2-1, and lead the series 3-2.
-NHL.com writer David Satriano contributed to this report.
