8 Joe Pavelski RW

Sharks' Joe Pavelski: Hampered by lower-body issue

The Sharks don't play again until Thursday's road clash with the Kings, so we'll have to see if the captain ends up traveling to Los Angeles for that one. Pavelski missed his first contest of the 2018-19 campaign Monday, a 7-3 loss to the Golden Knights. Expect to see more of Barclay Goodrow as long as Pavelski is held out.

Sharks' Joe Pavelski: Not in lineup Monday

The Sharks captain will miss his first game of the season with a surprise injury. On pace for 70 points for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, Pavelski's absence is huge for San Jose as well as fantasy owners this late in the season.

Sharks' Joe Pavelski: Production slows in March

Pavelski has two goals and one helper in eight games in March, much slower than his seasonal output of 63 points (37 goals, 26 assists) in 72 outings. The center has also shot at a lower frequency (2.5 shots per game), but he's scoring at a career-high 20.8 percent rate. Regression may not come this season, but the 34-year-old's eight-year streak of 60-plus points per full season may be in danger in the coming years.

Sharks' Joe Pavelski: Will dress Thursday

Pavelski's presence at morning skate was a fairly clear indication that he would draw in, but now his status for the contest can be officially confirmed. The star forward has turned up the heat since the All-Star break, notching nine goals and 16 points over 14 contests. He and the Sharks will likely be tasked with beating star netminder Carey Price, who has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his last nine starts.

Sharks' Joe Pavelski: Takes game-day twirl

Typically, a player returning to the ice in any capacity following the initial disclosure of his illness means he'll be fit to play in the next game, but the Sharks called up center Dylan Gambrell to leave Pavelski's status a bit muddled, with further consideration applied to Evander Kane's mid-body issue. More clarity on these forwards should surface around pregame warmups, so we recommend that daily owners set lineups as late as possible to account for any changes.