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Peter DeBoer Delivers Crushing Blow as Stars' Top Players Ruled Out for Do-or-Die Game

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated May 2, 2025 9:17 PM ET

Not only did the Dallas Stars fail to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche when they had the chance to on Thursday, but Peter DeBoer has since announced horrible injury news for Saturday's Game 7.

The Dallas Stars failed in their opportunity to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, blowing what was a 4-3 lead in the 3rd period of Thursday night's Game 6.

Rather than turning their preparations for the second round, the Stars have now been forced to return to Dallas to host the Avalanche for a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night.

Before the matchup, Stars head coach Peter DeBoer shared some truly unfortunate injury news. The team has ruled out both defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Jason Robertson; neither player has skated once in this series and won't be able to suit up in what is now the most important game of the year.

The Stars hope that one or both players will be able to make an appearance at some point in the postseason if they beat the Avalanche in Game 7; otherwise, they'll have to wait until the fall.

Heiskanen had 25 points (5G, 20A) in the 50 games he played before getting hurt in January; he then underwent surgery in February and was projected to miss at least the next 3-4 months in recovery.

His injury occurred in a collision with Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone:

Meanwhile, Robertson was hurt against the Nashville Predators during the Stars' 82nd and final game of the year; the fact that he was in the lineup in a meaningless game against a non-playoff opponent and ended up hurt resulted in scrutiny on DeBoer.

Robertson had 80 points (35G, 45A) in 82 games.

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

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