The Dallas Stars are gearing up for a Western Conference Semifinal showdown against the Winnipeg Jets—an electric clash against the NHL Presidents’ Trophy winners. Although both sides are missing some key pieces to their lineups, Mikko Rantanen‘s side is mired in uncertainty, as Peter DeBoer’s latest comment didn’t paint a clear picture on the return of a crucial teammate.
Dallas and Winnipeg are both entering the matchup after nerve-wracking first round series which were decided in a do-or-die Game 7. However, the Jets had an even tougher time as they required of double-overtime to secure a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
Rantanen scored a hat trick in the Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche, his former team, while Johnston netted the game-winning goal in the third period, registering his third Game 7 career goal, and improving his personal record to 3-0 in such stage. The 21-year-old is already a clutch performer in the NHL, though he still has a long way to catch his coach, DeBoer, who is 9-0 all-time in winner-takes-all matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Stars were able to defeat the Avs despite missing stars like Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, serving as a huge morale boost for the roster. However, they’d like to have them back for Game 1 against the Jets, as the bar is now even higher than before.
Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars will hope to eliminate his former team, the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round.
On that note, Rantanen and the Stars received a suspenseful statement from DeBoer, who was limited to four words when addressing Robertson’s status for Game 1.
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“We’ll see tomorrow,” DeBoer said about Robertson, who hasn’t played since April 16, prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as reported by insider Elliotte Friedman.
Where would Robertson play?
Robertson sustained a lower-body injury during the regular season finale against the Nashville Predators and while DeBoer confirmed he will return during the second round, it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to start from the getgo.
Head coach Pete DeBoer of the Dallas Stars prepares for his game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 20, 2024.
Ahead of Game 1 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on May 7, Robertson practiced during the Stars’ scrimmage on Tuesday, playing alongside Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment in the third line.
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However, Dallas’ third line is far from your typical bottom-six unit, as DeBoer’s squad would feature a trio averaging 66 points each—formed by Jason Robertson (80 points), Wyatt Johnston (71), and Mason Marchment (47).
