Sharks' Pavelski to sit out against Avalanche over head injury

San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski officially has been ruled out of Friday night's Western Conference semifinal opener against the Colorado Avalanche. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer told reporters after the morning skate that Pavelski remains day to day. Pavelski suffered a head injury in Tuesday's Game 7 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round.

"We have to replace him by committee," DeBoer told reporters. "That is what you build depth for all year." DeBoer also said that winger Joonas Donskoi (undisclosed injury) will sit out the game.

Pavelski awkwardly fell and slammed his helmet on the ice after being cross-checked by Vegas' Cody Eakin in the third period of Game 7. San Jose scored four goals during the ensuing power play en route to securing a 5-4 overtime victory. Pavelski, who has played in 128 career playoff games, is a vital cog for San Jose. He had 64 points (38 goals, 26 assists) in the regular season.

On Thursday, DeBoer declined to confirm Pavelski suffered a concussion but he did suggest that was the case. "I said he was feeling the effects," DeBoer said. "You can put two and two together on that."

The 34-year-old Pavelski has played his entire 13-year career with the Sharks. He has 46 postseason goals, including 14 when San Jose reached the 2016 Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.