Dallas Stars’ defensive depth will be tested if Tanev can’t play in Game 5

May 31, 2024, 13:19 EDT

Credit: May 29, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Dallas Stars defensemen Chris Tanev (3) protects the puck from Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique (19) during the first period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

After leaving Game 4 with a lower-body injury, Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev has been deemed a game-time decision for Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. Stars coach Pete DeBoer said he is ‘optimistic’ about Tanev’s chances of being ready.

But if he isn’t, Dallas has some things to work out on their blue line that all of a sudden looks quite thin.

Without Tanev, Dallas is losing their best shot blocker, one of their best penalty killers and a veteran presence that can play heavy minutes against the superstar talent of the Oilers. Not only is he hard to replace, but Dallas is pretty light on options to even try.

Jani Hakanpaa is unavailable with a lower-body injury. He has not played since March. Nils Lundkvist averaged only 4:27 of ice time in 12 playoff games and appeared to lose the trust of the coaching staff. Derrick Pouliot has not played a playoff game since 2016 and played only five NHL games all season.

All that’s left is 20-year-old Lian Bichsel. The 6-foot-6 defenseman has yet to skate in an NHL game but has played a lot of playoff hockey across the American Hockey League and Swedish Hockey League this season. According to Sean Shapiro, Bichsel was told to be ready to play if Tanev is not available.

Frank Seravalli: Here is what is more interesting. What would the Dallas Stars do next?

Colby Cohen: Earlier in the playoffs, Nils Lundkvist did not show this team that they can be confident in putting him out on the ice. You’ve already got Alexander Petrovic… Now you are looking at two defensemen that you could potentially have to protect and have to shelter…

I think Kris Knoblauch has added some depth to the lineup, the way he split everyone up… Now there are just more threats that you have to be aware of. And now all of a sudden, the game of who you can put out when becomes more tricky for Steve Spott, for Pete DeBoer and the Dallas Stars, as far as defensive matchups go. They are on home ice, which obviously gives you the opportunity to have that matchup. But I think this could be really problematic if Chris Tanev cannot play.

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