Joe Pavelski breaks down in tears when asked about Tanner Kero.

It should have been a big night for National Hockey League veteran Joe Pavelski. Pavelski recorded 2 goals and 2 assists, contributing to every one of the goals the Dallas Stars needed to squeak out a 4 - 3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night. Unfortunately for Pavelski however none of his thoughts following the contest were on his big performance, with his concern seemingly entirely on the health and status of his fallen teammate Tanner Kero. 

Pavelski spoke to the media following the game and, although he did his best to remain composed, there was simply no hiding the fact that he was very concerned about Kero. Not only was the concern evident on Pavelski's face, but the former NHL captain was overcome with emotion when he was asked about the incident that had put Kero in the hospital.

"It's terri...." began Pavelski before he was too choked up to finish the thought.

"I've been there before," said Pavelski through tears. "My teammates rallied around me that night, you know they flash it back there... I don't know. Tanner he's awesome, he's soft spoken, he shows up and works hard, you know he doesn't miss a day. When he gets called on to play he shows up, he makes great plays, he plays hard, he's a great teammate. We've heard he's doing all right you know... that win was definitely for him. You know you just say a prayer and hope for a speedy recovery. It sucks."

It had to be incredibly difficult for the members of the Stars roster to watch Kero get wheeled off the ice on a stretcher, the scene was so somber that even the members of the Chicago Blackhawks bench appeared to be visibly shaken. 

Kero was injured when he was the victim of a violent hit from Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly, one that was clearly interference given that Kero never touched the puck on the play. Connolly was given a 5 minute major for his actions and was subsequently tossed from the game, and the NHL's Department of Player Safety has already announced that he will have a hearing today for the hit.