Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist will miss Game 5 of the first-round playoffs against the Minnesota Wild due to a severe laceration from a skate to the face. Lundkvist exited Game 4, in which the Wild equalized the series at two games apiece with a victory in overtime. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan remains hopeful for Lundkvist's return later in the series and will announce a replacement on game day.

By the Numbers
  • Nils Lundkvist recorded 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 52 games during the regular season.
  • The Stars were tied 2-2 in the series against the Wild after Game 4.
State of Play
  • The series is tied 2-2 after the Wild's overtime win in Game 4.
  • Lundkvist's absence leaves a gap on defense; potential replacements include Alexander Petrovic and Ilya Lyubushkin.
What's Next

The Stars will need to finalize their defensive lineup just hours before Game 5, and Lundkvist's status will be monitored closely for a possible return later in the series.

Bottom Line

Lundkvist's injury is a blow to the Stars, but they remain optimistic about both his recovery and their chances to advance in a tightly contested series against a strong Wild team.