If Stars defenseman Chris Tanev can’t play in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday (8:30 p.m. ET), the task at hand will be much tougher for Dallas.
Tanev did not return after using his right foot to block a shot by the Oilers Evander Kane midway through the second period of Game 4 on Wednesday night in Edmonton’s 5-2 win, which evened the series at two games each.
Tanev played only 8:37 in the game but still led the team with three blocked shots.
“Fingers crossed we’ll get him back for Game 5,” Dallas coach Pete DeBoer said, via Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com after the game on Wednesday.
Tanev, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames near the trade deadline during the regular season, is the kind of physical and relentless defenseman necessary to successfully deal with the Oilers’ most dangerous forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl along with Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kane.
Since Tanev played with Calgary, Edmonton’s Alberta archrival, from 2020 to 2024, he has plenty of experience dealing with that quintet.
“He’s one of the ultimate warriors in this league,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said about Tanev. “It’s unbelievable to have him on our side now. I’ve played against him for a long time here. He’s a true professional. He plays the game hard.”
After taking a big hit and going to the dressing room against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of the second round, Tanev returned despite having his teeth go into his lip. But not before Tanev had his lip pulled back over his teeth and stitched up.
