The team said the 23-year-old Pavelec lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Thrashers officials released no other information on his condition.
There was a whistle at the opposite end of the ice when Pavelec suddenly fell over backward with no one around just 2:25 into the game. His teammates rushed to his aid and immediately called for doctors and a stretcher to be brought to the ice.
Medical personnel worked over him for about 10 minutes before he was wheeled off the ice.
The game resumed after a delay of about 20 minutes. Chris Mason took over in goal for the Thrashers and gave up a goal less than a minute later.
Even though they signed Mason over the summer, the Thrashers believed Pavelec had the potential to develop into the sort of top-flight goalie the team has lacked for its entire NHL history.
He signed a two-year deal in the offseason after going 14-18-7 with a 3.29 goals-against average and two shutouts in 42 games. It was his first full season in the NHL.
Pavelec also was a member of the Czech Republic’s team at this year’s Vancouver Olympics.
The native of Kladno made his league debut Oct 20, 2007, allowing a goal on six shots in one period. He was taken 41st overall by the Thrashers in the 2005 draft. For his career, he is 20-28-7 with two shutouts in 61 games.