Badgers in the NHL: Joe Pavelski scores twice, but Lightning win in OT to go up 3-1 in Stanley Cup Final

While the Dallas Stars are now down 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final thanks to a 5-4 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the series on Friday night, Wisconsin Badgers legend Joe Pavelski is not to blame. Pavelski scored twice on Friday, including the game tying goal to send it to overtime.

After the game, Pavelski was not in the mood to discuss his record tying goal telling a reporter who asked him about it “Keep it. Next question.”

While those of us who follow Badgers hockey knew that Pavelski was a special player coming out of college, the Stevens Point native wasn’t drafted until pick No. 205 in the 2003 NHL Draft. His two goals in Game 4 gave him 12 for the playoffs and Pavelski became the highest scorer in the playoffs for anyone 36 or older, passing Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Wayne Gretzky and Brett Hull. Pretty good company imo.

The Stars lost the game in overtime after a questionable tripping penalty call on Jaime Benn gave the Lightning a power player which Kevin Shattenkirk took advantage of to score the game winner just six and a half minutes into the extra period. Lightning defenseman, and former Badger, Ryan McDonagh did not get on the score sheet but made a difference elsewhere recording five hits, two shots and one blocked shot in just over 23 minutes of ice time. McDonagh his yet to record a point in the Finals but is plus three in the four games against the Stars.

Game 5 is Saturday night at 7 p.m. CST and Pavelski will try to break Joe Mullen’s record and also stave off elimination and force a Game 6. Should be a good one!