Plover native Joe Pavelski had two assists, as the San Jose Sharks opened the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of their first round series Thursday, April 12.

The game was tied 0-0 heading into the second period, when Pavelski assisted on a power-play goal from Evander Kane 7:07 into the period to give San Jose a 1-0 lead.

Pavelski also assisted on a goal from Kane at the 13:51 mark of the second period, while Brent Burns added a goal 15:15 into the second period to close the scoring on the 3-0 win.

The Sharks finished third in the Pacific Division this season (45-27-10) and will play at second-place Anaheim (44-25-13) in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series at 9:30 p.m. Central Saturday, April 14.

The series shifts to San Jose for Game 3 at 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 16, with Game 4 at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18.

If necessary, Game 5 will be at Anaheim Friday, April 20, with Game 6 at San Jose Sunday, April 22, and Game 7 at Anaheim Tuesday, April 24.

The winner will move on to play either the first place Las Vegas Knights (51-24-7) or the wild card Los Angeles Kings (45-29-8) in the Western Conference Semifinals.

A former Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) standout, Pavelski finished second on the Sharks this season with 22 goals and 66 points, which was his fifth consecutive season of more than 20 goals and 60 points.

He also played in every game this season for the sixth time in seven years, to help lead the Sharks to the Playoffs for the 11th time in his 12-year NHL career.