SAN JOSE -- Thursday was the rehearsal. Saturday is the real thing.
The Sharks welcomed back a former player in their win over the Blue Jackets on Thursday night, but no offense to Gus Nyquist -- it was just another game for San Jose.
The same cannot be said for Saturday night's bout against Joe Pavelski and the visiting Dallas Stars.
After playing 963 games in a Sharks uniform, Pavelski returns to SAP Center on Saturday night as a visiting player for the very first time. Arguably the most beloved captain in franchise history, Pavelski was signed by Dallas in free agency after he and the Sharks failed to reach a contract agreement.