SAN JOSE — Joe Pavelski will take what’s been his usual spot — at least for the last three-plus months — as the Sharks’ top line centerman for Game 3 of the Sharks’ second round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday at SAP Center.
Pavelski had to take over the position after Joe Thornton was knocked out of the lineup with a serious knee injury on Jan. 23.
All Pavelski has done in the 41 games since, including playoffs, is lead the Sharks in points (39), plus-minus (10), faceoffs (623) and faceoff wins (354), not to mention a spot in the postseason where San Jose has won five of six games.