DALLAS — Count Chris Tanev out of the Dallas Stars lineup at your peril, as there’s a reason the 34-year-old defenceman has earned the moniker Ultimate Warrior.
But given the fact he didn’t return for the third period after blocking a shot with the back of his right foot midway through Wednesday’s loss, his playing status is understandably one of the biggest talking points heading into Game 5.
The only post-game update came in the form of a “fingers crossed” from coach Peter DeBoer, followed by a Tanev sighting at the Edmonton airport Thursday morning that saw him limping along in a walking boot.
Widely regarded as the NHL’s best trade deadline acquisition when he was snagged from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft pick, a conditional third and Artem Grushnikov, Tanev was brought in to suppress the opposition’s top talents throughout the playoffs.
It’s a gig he’s performed admirably alongside Esa Lindell, limiting lads like Jack Eichel, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, allowing just nine goals this spring to sit plus-6.
When short-handed, he’s the first over the boards, forever ready to throw his moulded shot blockers in harm’s way, as part of an assignment that saw him average more than 23 minutes a night before departing in the second period Wednesday.
His 69 blocks lead the playoffs, but it’s his last one that poses a rare dilemma for the deepest roster in hockey.
Had an injury of this magnitude involved a forward, the Stars are so stacked they could summon any number capable replacements, including AHL MVP Mavrik Bourque.
However, if the Stars have a hole in their lineup it’s with their sixth defenceman, who they’ve used sparingly throughout the post-season.
If Tanev’s diagnosis is troubling, so too are the options at DeBoer’s disposal.
Jani Hakanpaa made the trip with the team to Edmonton, but the hard-hitting veteran has been nursing a lower body injury that has kept him out of the lineup since March 16.
If healthy enough — which is a big if — he’s the obvious replacement.
Otherwise, Derrick Pouliot has 226 NHL games of NHL experience, but hasn’t played since late February.
Twenty-year-old first-round draft pick Lian Bichsel is another Black Ace with the team, who has the team excited about his future thanks to his six-foot-six, 233-pound frame.
But it doesn’t seem the time for a lad who split his season between Sweden and the AHL to make his NHL debut.
Nils Lundkvist has played 12 playoff games but averaged under five minutes a night before giving way to Alexander Petrovic, who has averaged 13 minutes a night the last five games.
Whoever draws in will likely play heavily sheltered minutes alongside Petrovic, as 39-year-old Ryan Suter would likely move up to No. 4 on the depth chart to play alongside Lindell.
Expect the top pairing of Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley to log even more minutes than they’ve been playing of late.
“He’s one of the ultimate warriors in this league,” underscored Jamie Benn when asked after Wednesday’s 5-2 loss about Tanev’s injury.
“Unbelievable to have him on our side now. Played against him a long time here.
“A true professional who plays the game hard.
“(His absence) just gives guys more opportunity to step up and fill that void.”
An opportunity that has many wondering if whoever steps in can have nearly the impact the three depth adds the Oilers inserted for Game 4.