Stars’ Chris Tanev in lineup for Game 5 vs. Oilers

Expect anything different?

After being listed as a game-time decision, Dallas Stars defenceman Chris Tanev will play in Friday’s pivotal Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Tanev, who is known for his toughness, 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 defenceman would see a doctor and get X-rays or an MRI.

Dallas acquired Tanev from Calgary in a three-team trade on Feb. 28, about a week before the trade deadline. The rugged 34-year-old defenseman, who was considered one of the top trade targets available, joined a blue line headlined by Miro Heiskanen, along with 39-year-old veteran Ryan Suter, Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley.

Tanev has played 23:25 in average TOI and is a plus-6 through 16 post-season games. He played 8:37 in Game 4 and registered three blocked shots before he was forced to leave.

The Stars did, however, make one lineup change for Game 5. Forward Ty Dellandra will slot into the lineup and replace Radek Faska.

On the other side of things, the Oilers also made one adjustment to their Game 4 lineup, as forward Sam Carrick will come in for Derek Ryan.

You can watch Game 5 live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 8:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. MT.