Stars’ Chris Tanev will be a game-time decision for Game 5 vs Oilers 

Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer confirmed after morning skate that defenseman Chris Tanev (lower body) will be a game-time decision for Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. DeBoer said he is ‘optimistic’ about his status.

Chris Tanev is a game-time decision

“I’m optimistic,” says Peter DeBoer

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 31, 2024

Tanev was injured in Game 4 after blocking a shot by Evander Kane off his right foot midway through the second period. The 34-year-old limped off the ice, went to the dressing room and did not return to the game. He was labeled as questionable to return with a lower-body injury by the Stars’ public relations team.

Tanev was seen wearing a walking boot at the airport on Thursday.

“Flew back today, he’ll see the doctor, we’ll take some pictures today and cross some fingers,” DeBoer said after the team arrived in Dallas on Thursday.

Tanev has been arguably the most important Stars skater in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has played all 17 games, tied for most of his career, averages 22:33 of ice time, a career-high and is currently sitting at a plus-6 rating. Tanev also leads the team and ranks second in the NHL with 68 blocked shots in the playoffs all while playing against the opponent’s best players.

If Tanev cannot go, Dallas will be stretched very thin on the blue line.

Jani Hakanpaa has not played since March 16 with a lower-body injury and is not an option at the moment, 23-year-old Nils Lundkvist lost his spot to Alexander Petrovic after playing poorly while averaging only 4:27 of ice time in 12 games, Derrick Pouliot played most of the season in the American Hockey League and has not played a playoff game since 2016 and top prospect Lian Bichsel has never played an NHL game.

According to Sean Shapiro, Bichsel was told to be ready to play if Tanev is not available.

The options are there if needed, but how good are they for DeBoer and his staff in a pivotal Game 5? And does it mean that Dallas will need to trust struggling players with more minutes?

DeBoer also said that Dallas will have a few other guys that will be game-time decisions tonight, meaning the Stars may have some new faces in the lineup across the board.