DALLAS — Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev will be a game-time decision for Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Friday night after taking a shot of his right foot in the previous game.
Coach Pete DeBoer said at the morning skate Friday that he was optimistic that Tanev could play.
Tanev 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 defenseman would see a doctor and get X-rays or an MRI.
Dallas acquired Tanev from Calgary in a three-team trade 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.
If Tanev is unable to play, Lian Bichsel told reporters that he’s been told to be ready to play, which would mark the six-foot-six Swiss defenceman’s NHL debut. Nils Lundkvist is also a possibility.
Tanev has played 23:25 in average TOI and is a plus-6 through 16 games. He played 8:37 in Game 4 and registered three blocked shots before he was forced to leave.
–with files from Sportsnet staff
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev’s availability for Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain after he left Game 4 with an undisclosed injury.
Tanev, who has been a key player for the Canucks throughout the series, left the game in the second period and did not return. His absence was felt on the ice as the Canucks struggled to contain the Oilers’ offense without him.
The team has not provided any details on the nature of Tanev’s injury or his status for Game 5. Head coach Travis Green said after the game that Tanev is being evaluated by the team’s medical staff and they will have a better idea of his availability in the coming days.
Tanev’s absence would be a significant blow to the Canucks, as he has been a reliable presence on the blue line and a key contributor on both ends of the ice. His defensive play and ability to move the puck have been crucial to the team’s success in the series against the Oilers.
If Tanev is unable to play in Game 5, the Canucks will need to rely on their depth on defense to step up and fill the void left by his absence. Players like Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers will need to take on a larger role and help anchor the defense against a potent Oilers offense.
The Canucks will be hoping for good news on Tanev’s injury and that he will be able to suit up for Game 5. His presence on the ice would be a huge boost for the team as they look to close out the series and advance to the next round of the playoffs.