Pavelski, Heatley advance in NHL Playoffs

Eleven former Wisconsin hockey players were members of clubs that made the 2011 NHL Playoffs. After two rounds that number has shrunk to two. San Jose Sharks forwards Dany Heatley and Joe Pavelski are the only two former Badgers still alive in the NHL Playoffs. The Sharks moved on to the Western Conference Finals after disposing of former Badger Brian Rafalski and the Detroit Red Wings in game 7 last night.

Quick side note: I think games like the one last night prove my point that there is nothing greater in sports then game 7 in the NHL Playoffs

Both Pavelski (who won a ring with the Badgers in 2006) and Heatley (who was a Hobey Baker finalist in 2001) have been key contributors in the Sharks run so far. Heatley has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in 13 playoff games. Pavelski has notched 5 goals and 2 assists.

Like I mentioned, Heatley and Pavelski will be moving on to the Western Conference Finals and will take on the Vancouver Canucks who won the Presidents trophy for accumulating the most points during the regular season. Game 1 will be on Sunday, live on Versus at 7 PM Central.

A complete breakdown of stats from all former Badgers participating in pro hockey playoffs after the jump.

Kyle Klubertanz and Robbie Earl are the only two former Badgers in the AHL who are still active. Klubertanz's Hamilton Bulldogs will face Earl's Houston Aeros in the AHL's Western Conference Finals. Game 1 is Friday night at 7:35 PM Central.

Another quick note, Blake Geoffrion playing a game in the AHL Playoffs is not a typo. After his Nashville Predators were eliminated by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round, Geoffrion and a few other rookies were added to the Admirals roster but were eliminated by the Houston Aeros.