The Dallas Stars have advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs following a dramatic 4-3 series victory over the Colorado Avalanche. This thrilling matchup culminated in a decisive 4-2 win at home, allowing the Stars to shift their focus to the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets in the next round.
The Jets secured their place in the semifinals after edging out the St. Louis Blues in a nail-biting Game 7 that went into double overtime, concluding with a 4-3 score. Jets captain Adam Lowry was the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning goal and ensuring Winnipeg's advancement.
However, as the Stars prepare for their upcoming series, they may not be at full strength. Head coach Pete DeBoer provided an update on the status of two of Dallas' key players, Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, after Saturday’s Game 7 win. While both players are expected to return during this series, DeBoer emphasized that their participation in Game 1 remains uncertain.
“I believe you’re going to see them both play in the second round, but I don’t know if it’s going to be Game 1 or Game 3 or Game 5,” DeBoer stated. “I consider them both day-to-day now, but there’s still some hurdles. It depends on when we start the series, how much time we have between now and Game 1. We’ll have a little better idea as we get closer.”
Robertson, 25, has been a crucial asset for the Stars this season, leading the team with 35 goals and 80 points over 82 games. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury during the regular-season finale on April 16. In contrast, Heiskanen, also 25, has not played since January 28, when he injured his left knee in a collision with Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights. He underwent surgery in early February and missed the final 32 games of the regular season, finishing with 25 points in 50 appearances.
As the Stars gear up for their series against the Jets, the potential return of Robertson and Heiskanen could significantly impact their chances of advancing further in the playoffs. Dallas will open the series on the road, where they have struggled against Winnipeg this season. The Jets won three of four meetings against the Stars, outscoring them 13-5 in those encounters.
Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with the puck drop set for 9:30 p.m. ET in Winnipeg. This matchup marks the first time these two franchises have met in the playoffs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the series.
With the Stars' recent victory over the Avalanche, the team is now focused on overcoming their playoff rivals, the Jets, and the return of their star players could be the key to their success. Both Robertson and Heiskanen bring vital skills that could reinvigorate the Stars' lineup as they look to make a deep playoff run.
In the playoffs, every game is crucial, and the Stars will need to capitalize on their opportunities. The uncertainty surrounding the return of Robertson and Heiskanen adds an element of suspense as fans eagerly await the start of the series. Will the Stars be able to find their rhythm against a formidable opponent like the Jets?
As the Stars continue to prepare for their next challenge, the coaching staff and players alike will be monitoring the progress of Robertson and Heiskanen closely. Their health and readiness could be pivotal for Dallas as they aim to take down the Jets and advance to the next round.
In the world of sports, injuries can change the course of a season, and the Stars are no exception. The potential return of their leading goal scorer and top defenseman could provide the spark needed for Dallas to perform at their best during this critical playoff series.
As the clock ticks down to Game 1, the Stars are determined to make a statement against the Jets. With a mix of anticipation and strategic planning, the team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting series in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
