The Dallas Stars are gearing up for the postseason with the return of key players from injury. Head coach Pete DeBoer announced that forward Evgenii Dadonov and defenseman Jani Hakanpää are both on track to be playoff contributors after battling injuries.
Dadonov, who has been out since February with a lower-body fracture, has been back on the ice and skating at the Stars’ practice facility in Frisco. DeBoer expressed confidence in Dadonov’s return, noting his importance to the team with 12 goals and 11 assists in 50 games this season.
Hakanpää, who has been sidelined since mid-March, has also been progressing well and is expected to be a factor in the playoffs. His absence opened the door for Nils Lundkvist, who has been impressive in the lineup with the Stars going 16-0-0 in his last 16 games.
The news of Dadonov and Hakanpää’s impending return comes as a boost for the Stars, who are looking to make a deep playoff run. DeBoer will have some lineup decisions to make with the return of these players, but having a full team healthy and ready for the postseason is a positive sign for the team.
In addition to Dadonov and Hakanpää, defenseman Chris Tanev, who recently suffered an arm injury, is set to return to the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers. With all key players back in action, the Stars are poised to make a strong push in the playoffs.