The Dallas Stars are facing the Colorado Avalanche in a crucial Game 5 of their playoff series, but Miro Heiskanen remains sidelined. Despite traveling with the team and participating in morning skates, he has yet to recover sufficiently from his knee surgery to return to the lineup. Coach Pete DeBoer confirmed that Heiskanen is not ready to play, while Oskar Bäck will rejoin the roster, taking the place of Mavrik Bourque, who substituted for Bäck in Game 4 after an oblique injury.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen will sit out Game 4 against the Colorado Avalanche as he continues to recover from knee surgery. Although he participated in practice and skated during morning sessions, he has not yet returned to full-contact workouts. Coach Pete DeBoer confirmed that Heiskanen is close to returning but will not be available for Saturday's crucial playoff game.

Additionally, forward Oskar Bäck's status remains uncertain as he's labeled a game-time decision after suffering an oblique injury during Game 3. If Bäck cannot play, Mavrik Bourque is set to replace him, having been previously scratched in earlier games of the series. The Stars face a significant challenge as they look to gain momentum in the playoff series against a formidable Avalanche team.

Oskar Bäck, the Dallas Stars forward, missed practice on Friday as a precaution after an undisclosed injury sustained during Game 3 against the Colorado Avalanche. Although he returned to play in the latter stages of the game, Stars coach Pete DeBoer decided to rest him, citing a maintenance day given the upcoming break. In the regular season, Bäck recorded 16 points, with one assist so far in the playoffs.

If he is unable to participate in Game 4, Mavrik Bourque is poised to step in, having previously played in Game 1 but sat out the subsequent games. This adjustment could impact the Stars' lineup dynamic as they aim to secure a critical victory in their first round playoff series.

In a thrilling overtime finish, the Dallas Stars defeated the Utah Hockey Club 3-2, with Thomas Harley scoring the decisive goal just over three minutes into the extra period. This victory marks the Stars' fourth consecutive win, a notable achievement since their season-opening streak. Jamie Benn and Oskar Bäck also contributed goals, while Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston provided two assists each. Goaltender Jake Oettinger was pivotal, making 33 saves to secure the win.

Utah's Matias Maccelli shined with two goals, but the team faced its sixth loss in seven games. Harley's overtime goal came after Vejmelka blocked Duchene's attempt, allowing Harley to capitalize on the rebound. The game saw a back-and-forth scoring pattern, with Maccelli equalizing twice after the Stars took the lead.

The Dallas Stars secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Utah Hockey Club, thanks to defenseman Thomas Harley's decisive goal just over three minutes into the extra period. This win marks the Stars' fourth consecutive triumph, a feat not achieved since their season-opening streak. Key contributions came from Jamie Benn and Oskar Bäck, who also found the back of the net, while Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each provided two assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger was instrumental, making 33 saves to preserve the win.

Utah's Matias Maccelli shone with two goals, but the team faced disappointment, losing for the sixth time in their last seven outings. Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves but couldn't stop Harley's game-winner. The match saw a back-and-forth scoring dynamic, with Maccelli tying the game twice after the Stars took the lead. This game highlighted Dallas' impressive home penalty kill, which remains the best in the league.