Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen was anticipated to rejoin the lineup for Game 4 against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday evening.
Head coach Pete DeBoer mentioned he expected Heiskanen to play, provided the morning skate went according to plan.
Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger commented on Heiskanen`s value, stating, “He`s the best defenseman in the NHL in my opinion. Any time you can add a player like that, it`s clearly a major advantage.”
The team`s top defensive player had been sidelined for over three months following knee surgery. He did not speak to the media after the optional practice.
Oettinger added that Heiskanen “makes my life a lot easier. He does numerous positive things and many subtle actions that people often overlook.”
He emphasized Heiskanen`s importance, saying, “Ultimately, he`s our best player. Getting your best player back is massive.”
Dallas had split the initial two games of the best-of-seven second-round playoff series in Winnipeg before securing a victory in Game 3 at the American Airlines Center on Sunday.
Heiskanen recorded 25 points (5 goals, 20 assists) in 50 games during the recent season. The 25-year-old Finnish player boasts a career total of 283 points (58 goals, 225 assists) across 475 regular-season matchups.
DeBoer indicated that should Heiskanen return, he might contemplate using a lineup of 11 forwards and seven defensemen, differing from the standard arrangement of four forward lines and three defensive pairs. This tactical adjustment would likely result in increased ice time, possibly double shifts, for playoff scoring leader Mikko Rantanen.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the potential change, saying, “Certainly, that presents a different look for them. We simply need to ensure we execute our game effectively.”
Standing six-foot-two and weighing 197 pounds, Heiskanen was chosen as the third overall selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He finalized an eight-year contract with the Stars valued at US$67.6 million in 2021.
Jets captain Adam Lowry suggested Heiskanen`s presence would alleviate some pressure on the Stars` defense corps.
Lowry described him as “an all-star, a world-class defenseman. He`s an exceptional puck mover and defensively very sound. He influences the game in numerous ways.”
He added, “It will be crucial for us to pressure him, particularly during the forecheck.”
The Jets were not anticipated to alter their lineup for Game 4. Winnipeg`s standard forward lines and defensive pairings participated together during rushes in the morning skate.
Winnipeg entered Game 4 holding a winless record away from home in the post-season thus far. The Jets lost all three of their road contests in the first round against the St. Louis Blues before progressing after a Game 7 victory on home ice.
Tristan Blackwood