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
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