Stars injury report: Big boost before Stanley Cup playoffs Game 1 vs. Wild
TL;DR
The Dallas Stars expect defenseman Miro Heiskanen to be available for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Minnesota Wild. Heiskanen has had a strong season with 63 points in 77 games.
Key points
- Dallas Stars expect Miro Heiskanen to play in Game 1
- Heiskanen has 63 points in 77 games this season
- He ranks fourth in the league for time on ice
Stars injury report: Big boost before Stanley Cup playoffs Game 1 vs. Wild originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Stars have received a big boost before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Minnesota Wild, scheduled for Saturday.
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan revealed that he expects to have defenseman Miro Heiskanen available for the game against the Wild.
"Yeah, you know, we hope there, too, that we could have him for Game 1," Gulutzan said, via the NHL's official website. "And as I said, he's getting better, but it's kind of day to day right now to see where he's at, so very hopeful, though, on that front. Obviously, he's a big player for us."
Heiskanen, 26, has nine goals and 54 assists for a total of 63 points in 77 games this season. The Finn ranks fourth in the league in time on ice (25:28).
On another note, Sam Steel already returned to the game against the Sabres after being unavailable for nine games due to an undisclosed injury. Roope Hintz, for his part, is ruled out for the first two games of Round 1 against Minnesota due to a lower-body injury he suffered on March 6.
| Player | Position | Injury Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miro Heiskanen | Defenseman | Day-to-day (likely Game 1) | Improving, hopeful for Game 1 |
| Sam Steel | Forward | Active | Returned after 9-game absence |
| Roope Hintz | Forward | Out | Out for first 2 games (lower body) |
More NHL news:
- Stars announce roster news before Stanley Cup playoffs
- Jake Oettinger sends strong message on Stars' offensive weapons ahead of NHL playoffs
- Stars' Glen Gulutzan admits offensive struggles, sends clear playoff message
- Stars GM Jim Nill announces veteran forward loan on Sunday
- Jason Robertson sends clear message on Stars' playoff readiness
Q&A
Will Miro Heiskanen play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs?
Yes, the Stars expect Miro Heiskanen to be available for Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild.
What are Miro Heiskanen's stats for the current NHL season?
Miro Heiskanen has recorded nine goals and 54 assists for a total of 63 points in 77 games this season.
How important is Miro Heiskanen to the Dallas Stars?
Miro Heiskanen is considered a key player for the Stars, ranking fourth in the league in time on ice at 25:28.