The Dallas Stars will have to continue their playoff push without their top defenseman for the time being.
Head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed to reporters that Miro Heiskanen will not return to the lineup for Game 5 on Monday. The Stars are facing the Colorado Avalanche in their first-round series, aiming to take a series lead.
Heiskanen has been sidelined since January, following knee surgery. While the Stars blueliner returned to practice before the commencement of the playoffs, his status has remained day-to-day.
Before sustaining the injury, the Finnish defenseman had recorded five goals and 20 assists in 50 games played.
In a lineup adjustment, Dallas is bringing Oskar Back in to replace Mavrik Bourque.
The 25-year-old Back has registered one assist over his three appearances in the playoffs so far.
Live coverage of the upcoming Game 5 contest between the Stars and Avalanche is scheduled to begin at 9:50 p.m. ET.
Tristan Blackwood