Photos circulating on social media on Thursday suggest that Chris Tanev may not be available for Game 5 with the Dallas Stars against the Edmonton Oilers. Tanev was spotted at the Edmonton International Airport wearing a walking boot after sustaining an injury in Game 4. The defenseman left the game in the second period and did not return for the Stars in the third.
You can view the photo of Tanev below. While it’s not confirmed that he won’t play through the injury, Stars’ head coach Pete DeBoer expressed cautious optimism for Tanev’s availability in Game 5. Tanev’s absence from the game on Wednesday raised concerns about the severity of his injury.
If Tanev is unable to play, it would be a significant setback for the Stars. Even if he does play, the injury may impact his performance. Tanev is often tasked with defending against top offensive players like Connor McDavid, and his absence or less than 100% health could pose challenges for Dallas in containing elite scorers.
With Tanev Out, Are Stars In Trouble?
The Stars face a tough situation without Tanev. While they have depth and talent, the absence of Tanev makes them a weaker team. The Oilers’ speed poses a threat to Dallas, and Tanev’s injury could worsen their prospects in the series.
The series is tied 2-2, and it’s now a best-of-three scenario. Edmonton will aim to capitalize on Tanev’s potential absence in Game 5 and secure a crucial victory on the road. This could be an opportunity for the Oilers to seize control of the series.
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