New York. The exciting Seattle Kraken can’t be dismissed.
In Dallas last night, it wasn’t enough for 38-year-old legend Joe Pavelski to score four goals.
In overtime, Jani Gord stole the show with a decisive 5-4 goal.
– I just kicked the puck into the chest. That’s how we do it, the hero smiles.
It sure looked like it was going to be the big show for Joe Pavelski when the quarterfinal series between the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken kicked off at the American Airlines Center in Texas City.
The 38-year-old icon – who made his comeback after missing the eighth goal against Minnesota – opened with two goals already in the first half.
Then, tenacious, tenacious, energetic, and quick-witted Seattle—defending champion Colorado in the first round—made a slightly shocking move and went up 4-2.
But in the third period it was time for Joe again. He completed his hat-trick just under ten minutes later, and at 1:23 p.m., incredibly, he scored a fourth as well—something no one else in Stanley Cup history had done at the age of 38.
– Yes, it was special. But when you still don’t win…it’s not fun, he says.
Because the stars didn’t. 12:17 In overtime, Yanni Gord suddenly grabbed the puck in Dallas territory and put it away — and moments later, last year’s expansion team took a 1-0 series lead against another favorite.
– Very beautiful, of course, says the hero in a television interview immediately after the verdict.
– I kicked the goblin towards the box. That’s how we do it. We fight hard and attack as much as we can and in the end it pays off.