Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer is “optimistic” defenceman Chris Tanev will be available for Friday’s Game 5 of the NHL’s Western Conference final against the Edmonton Oilers.
Tanev got hurt in the second period of Game 4 on Wednesday night, when he was struck on the right foot on a shot by Oilers forward Evander Kane in the second period. Tanev was in obvious pain going to the bench, then had to hobble through his teammates to get to the tunnel. He didn’t return to the game.
Without elaborating, DeBoer said the shot caught Tanev “in a soft spot.” He also didn’t provide any updates after indicating Thursday when the team got back to Texas that the defenseman would see a doctor and get X-rays or an MRI.
Edmonton took that one 5-2 to even the best-of-seven series 2-2.
“Huge part of our group,” DeBoer said Friday morning. “He affects all kinds of parts of the game.”
Tanev is listed as a game-time decision, is averaging 22 minutes 33 seconds of ice time in the playoffs.
The 34-year-old from Toronto was acquired in a deal with the Calgary Flames ahead of the March trade deadline.
“He’s a big part of our team,” Stars winger Jason Robertson said. “But it’s one of those situations where every team is dealing with injuries, guys coming into the lineup, and it’s a next-man-up mentality.
“Whatever happens, happens, but we have the character and the players in this room to fill any void for any position.
The Stars have limited options if Tanev can’t go. Jani Hakanpaa (lower-body injury) isn’t ready to return after getting hurt in mid-March, while rookie blueliner Lian Bichsel — the 18th pick at the 2022 draft — has yet to suit up for an NHL game.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said on Friday morning that the Oilers might have “one lineup change” but wouldn’t know for sure until after warmup.
When it comes to the team’s approach to Game 5, he said it’s just to play hard and be intentional.
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“Just playing good hockey and not sitting back and not being afraid to make a mistake. I think if you’re afraid to make a mistake, you end up making mistakes, you end up playing safe. And when you’re playing safe all the time, you just end up defending, and we just want to continue making plays.”
Knoblauch said he’s focused on urgency, momentum and confidence.
“They want to perform. Hopefully we can feed off each other and help each other out.”
Mattias Ekholm said it’s about being present and appreciating the moment as well.
“To have this opportunity in front of us, just to make the most of it, embrace it.
“Obviously everybody knows there’s a lot on the line and everybody wants it, but you’ve got to take a deep breathe at the same time and cool yourself down and make sure you’re staying composed and not get too far ahead of yourself in these kinds of situations. I think we’ve done a good job of that so far,” he said.
Leon Draisaitl said players are just focused on tonight.
“Trying to win a game in Dallas here and go home with a lead, that’s where our focus is at.
“I truly believe that our best beats anyone’s best, it’s just a matter of consistently playing that way and that’s taxing and that’s a hard thing to do. To play at your best every single night, every single shift, that’s really hard to do, but I think we’re finding our way.”
Draisaitl praised Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, saying “he’s so valuable” and “touches every part of the game.”
Draisaitl said he’s never seen Nugent-Hopkins take a misstep.
“He’s just such a smart, good hockey player and I think he’s probably the coach’s favourite player in the world, I would say.”
Knoblauch said every player has their strengths and something to give.
“I’ve always got a favourite player; it just depends on the day. It changes,” he said. “But Ryan brings a lot to our team, whether it’s five on five, transporting the puck, making plays, scoring some key goals. He’s a big part of the power play… He’s a great facilitator … and then the penalty kill.”
Nugent-Hopkins didn’t quite agree with his teammate’s assessment.
“Oh, I make mistakes,” he said with a laugh. “I make mistakes out there for sure. But I mean, you try to limit them. And I feel like I just try to play my game and try to play as smart as I can and manage pucks when I need to.”
He said he works hard to be dialed in at all times and in all scenarios.
“It’s something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in over the years, worked on both sides of the puck. And I want to be relied upon in different situations. We have a lot of guys who can play in both situations, we know that. But it’s something that I do take a lot of pride in.”
Game 6 goes Sunday in Edmonton. Game 7, if necessary, would be Tuesday back in Dallas.
With files from Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
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