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Fantucchio’s Focus: Pavelski pushes WCF to Game 5; a possible conflict of interest between Dubas and agent

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2023

Andrew Fantucchio

Joe Pavelski scored the game-winning overtime goal to help the Dallas Stars survive an elimination game

Good morning; my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Friday, May 26, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Pavelski keeps Stars alive:

When a team is down three games to none in a best-of-seven series, their objective shifts from winning to surviving.

In Game 4 of the Western Conference Final at The American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX, on Thursday, the Dallas Stars survived without their captain, Jamie Benn. They survived two one-goal deficits and a third period in which they were outshot 14-8. And thanks to Joe Pavelski’s goal at 3:18 into overtime, Dallas is still alive.

⭐️ JOE PAVELSKI SAID WE'RE GOING TO FIVE ⭐️#StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/oTfRN3CL24

— NHL (@NHL) May 26, 2023

Pavelski’s one-timer beat Vegas goalie Adin Hill who was stellar all night, stopping 39 of the 42 shots that came his way. Eleven of which came from Jason Roberston, who scored twice for Dallas.

“I think definitely, our desperation was the highest it’s been,” Robertson said. “At home, we know what’s on the line and what the stakes are. Everyone came to play and showed up, and we’re going to need that same desperation through these next three games.”

Dallas will have to survive Game 5 of the Western Conference Final to once again extend the series on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

NHLPA examining relationship between Dubas and agent:

The National Hockey League Players Association is looking into a potential conflict of interest between former Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas and his agent, Chris Armstrong of Wasserman Sports, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.

While Armstrong himself doesn’t represent any NHL players, Wasserman Sports has several clients within the league, including Auston Matthews.

The Maple Leafs recently decided not to bring Dubas back to the organization, and he has reportedly since conducted an interview with the Pittsburgh Penguins about their vacant GM position and met with Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh as well.