Star Forward Jason Robertson Injured Ahead of Playoffs

The Dallas Stars are facing a significant challenge as their star winger, Jason Robertson, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury. This setback occurred during the regular-season finale against Nashville when he was knocked out by Michael McCarron.

Depth Tested: A Key Player Missing

As the Stars prepare for their daunting first-round matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, they’ll have to navigate without not only Robertson but also their top defenseman, Miro Heiskanen, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

In recent practice, new line combinations were revealed, featuring Mikael Granlund and Evgenii Dadonov skating alongside No. 1 center Roope Hintz. Meanwhile, Matt Duchene centered Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin on a secondary line, while Wyatt Johnston took charge of a formidable third line with veterans Jamie Benn and Mikko Rantanen.

Coach DeBoer Confident Despite Injuries

Stars coach Pete DeBoer remains positive about his team's chances, citing improved offensive depth as a factor that could help them cope with Robertson's absence. "Robo sticks the puck in the net, creates offense for us," DeBoer stated, highlighting the expanded scoring potential this season compared to last. With notable trades and players like Dadonov contributing 20 goals, the Stars are more equipped to manage injuries.

Could Robertson Return?

While DeBoer hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Robertson participating in the upcoming series, the timeline suggests it’s unlikely. With the Stars boasting the fifth-best record in the league, they’re set to face a tough opponent in the Avalanche during the playoffs.

Next-Man-Up Mentality at Play

Defenseman Thomas Harley emphasized the team's resilience with a "next-man-up" mentality, stating, "We’ve got great players in the lineup. It just means one of the guys gets to step up and play more minutes than they’re used to, showing the world what they can do."

Seguin’s Perspective on Depth

Tyler Seguin, who made his return for the finale with an assist, shared a similar sentiment about the importance of depth in the playoffs. "You need 25-30 players, maybe even more, when you go on deep runs," he noted, stressing that everyone will need to be ready to contribute.

The Road Ahead for the Stars

As Dallas braces for the playoffs, overcoming injuries will be crucial. The Stars have a solid roster, and with players ready to step up, the series against Colorado promises to be an exciting test. Stay tuned as the battle unfolds!