Pavelski didn't get the rest others received before the team starts a pretty intense schedule. Dallas has almost a game every two days to finish the season and is behind in the chase to catch a playoff spot. While Pavelski said he enjoys the games, he also understands the pace is difficult.
"Last year, I do think that probably got to us a little," he said of an intense finish caused by postponements from COVID and a winter weather storm. This year, the Stars had to postpone six games, but had a nice cushion for rescheduling after the NHL decided to bow out of the 2022 Olympic Games.
Pavelski said he hopes they've learned some lessons from the experiences, and added that they have the right mindset.
"You can only play them one game at a time," he said. "So that's what we have to do."
Pavelski can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, so that also throws a wildcard into the mix. If the Stars are struggling, they might consider trading him to a contender. If they're playing well, they might consider giving him a contract extension. It's definitely a liquid situation.
"He's been such a big part of the team and such a professional," Stars GM Jim Nill said, adding that whatever happens with his contract will take care of itself. "We've got a lot of games to play, and I think we're all focused on that right now."
Coming in off a perfect All-Star weekend, the belief is that Pavelski will be a huge part of the process.
As he walked out of the game on Saturday, he flashed a smile and gave Stars fans a strong greeting.
"Awesome time this weekend," he said on video. "Vegas crushed it."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.