Hertl scores 2 to lead Sharks past Avalanche 2-1 in Game 5
SAN JOSE, Calif. — As loud as the Shark Tank got following Tomas Hertl’s two goals, the roar was even more deafening when injured captain Joe Pavelski emerged from the tunnel to wave a towel for the fans in the third period.
Hertl’s goals led the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 on Saturday night, leaving them one win away from a berth in the conference final and a greater possibility that their fallen leader will be able to return to the ice.
“That was as loud as this building gets,” forward Logan Couture said of the ovation for Pavelski about a minute after Hertl’s tiebreaking goal in the third period. “That was a pretty cool moment. I had goose bumps on the ice.”
Pavelski made his first public appearance since his head slammed against the ice and he was helped off with a bloody concussion in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas. The Sharks rallied around their captain by scoring four goals on the ensuing power play to erase a three-goal deficit and eventually advancing with an overtime win.