Cameras catch emotional moment between Perry and Pavelski.
An emotional moment between a pair of former teammates at the end of Game 6 of the Western Conference Final.
The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars in Game 6 on the Western Conference Final on Sunday night to advance to the Stanley Cup Final where they will face the Florida Panthers.
It was a terrific game which saw the Stars leave it all out there as they dominated the Oilers in terms of shots on goal but were unable to find a way to secure the victory. It was a heartbreaking moment for everyone on the Dallas Stars roster, but perhaps no one felt the loss more painfully than long time National Hockey League veteran Joe Pavelski.
There have been rumblings that this may be the last we've seen of Pavelski on NHL ice, and judging by the emotional reaction shared by some of his teammates that may very well be the case. It is one thing to have your teammates get emotional, it's another matter entirely when that emotion comes from your opponent.
Following the Stars elimination, cameras were rolling as Pavelski reached his former teammate Corey Perry in the handshake line. We may never truly know what words were shared between these two longtime NHL veterans, but it was obvious that there was plenty of emotion involved from the body language alone. Both men of course shook hands but they then embraced for a long hug with Perry even putting his head down on Pavelski's shoulder at one point during the embrace.
It was a beautiful moment between a pair of NHL veterans who are likely very near the end of their careers.
You can see footage of what may have been Pavelski's final moments on the ice, including the handshake line, in the short clip below: