Joe Pavelski now all-time leader in NHL playoff goals by U.S.-born player

Pavelski becomes most prolific U.S.-born playoff goal scorer originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

Joe Pavelski’s “Captain America” nickname never has been more fitting.

With his goal at 13:15 in the third period of Game 5 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final, Pavelski now has the most playoff goals by a U.S.-born player (61), breaking a tie with Joe Mullen.

But Pavelski’s goal did more than just make him the most prolific American goal scorer in playoff history. It also kept the Dallas Stars from losing the Stanley Cup Final.

Pavelski’s goal tied Game 5 at 2-2 and sent it to overtime. Tampa Bay Lightning lead the series three-games-to-one.

The former Sharks captain has been on a roll during the series. He now has four goals and one assist.