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Devastating Blow as Stars Lose Top Player for Game 1 vs. Jets Due to Injury
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars got past the Colorado Avalanche in round one without their best defenseman, and now, he's been ruled out ahead of Game 1 with Winnipeg.

Without both Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen in round one against the Colorado Avalanche, most people ruled out the Dallas Stars, but in a thrilling seven game series behind Mikko Rantanen's brilliance, they've managed to move on to the second round.

Now, Game One against the Winnipeg Jets is almost upon us, and despite optimism, the Dallas Stars have now officially ruled out star defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who has been out for several months after sustaining an injury against the Vegas Golden Knights.

While there is a belief that Heiskanen will return at some point in this series against the Winnipeg Jets, it's not going to be in Game 1 with the team on the road, as they are potentially eyeing a Game 3 return when this series shifts home to Texas.

In 38 playoff games over the past two years, Heiskanen has been absolutely dominant, tallying 7 goals and 28 points from the blue line in that time, and after the Stars snuck through round one, if he can get healthy, this is a team that's a genuine Stanley Cup threat.

As recently as May 5th, Heiskanen was skating with the team, and while he's taking the right steps to return, as of right now he's simply not close enough, with the team. hoping he can be back very soon.

In other injury news, Jason Robertson is considered a game-time decision, meaning that the Stars are getting healthier, but until they can get Heiskanen close to 100% and back in their lineup, their potential in this Stanley Cup Playoffs could be severely limited.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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