We’re in for a wild series between the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars. Game 1 of the playoff series opener was a dramatic one, with an overtime decider and several controversial calls, non-calls, and hits.
The game was testy, and fans had much to discuss afterward, especially one specific hit from Matt Dumba. The veteran defenseman was in a controversial incident with Stars forward Joe Pavelski.
At the halfway point of the second period, Pavelski let go of the puck and went for the forecheck but was instead sent to the ice. Matt Dumba stepped up and laid a huge reverse hit, and Pavelski had no chance to stop the hit. The forward fell to the ice and hit his head in the fall. Pavelski was seemingly motionless for a moment before being helped to the locker room.
Pavelski didn’t return to the game, and postgame, following Minnesota’s 3-2 win in double overtime, Dallas coach Peter DeBoer gave an injury update on Pavelski.
”He’s OK, but banged up” after ”he hit his head on the ice,” DeBoer said, per The Athletic’s Michael Russo.
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DeBoer also said he’s not feeling positive about Pavelski gearing up for Game 2 on Wednesday.
After the hit, Dumba was assessed a five-minute major, but upon review, it was reduced to a two-minute minor for roughing.
Stars player Max Domi was assessed the same penalty and 10-minute misconduct for jumping Dumba after the hit.
“We have the best officials in the world. They called a 5, they reviewed it, which is the right thing to do. if they reviewed it and decided it wasn’t a bad hit, then I guess it’s not for me to argue with that… We’ve got to live with that,” DeBoer said.
Matt Dumba also addressed the hit postgame, and he fully believed it was clean and shoulder to shoulder.
One thing’s for sure: We’re really looking forward to Game 2.
