After leaving in the second period of Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, Chris Tanev was seen in a walking boot as the team returns home to prepare for Game 5 against Edmonton on Friday.

Chris Tanev has taken his share of physical punishment over his NHL career, and this season is no exception.

Since coming to Dallas in a trade with the Calgary Flames, the 34-year-old defenseman has had his arm pinned to the boards after a heavy hit, had a tooth pushed in after taking a shoulder to the face, and left another game after taking a massive hit into the boards.

That's not counting the various other poundings his body has taken in previous years: a torn labrum, separated shoulder, losing half a dozen teeth and a sprained neck.

During the second period of Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday, Tanev blocked a shot with his right foot from winger Evander Kane and immediately went down the tunnel.

Just as the third period began, the Stars' PR department listed him as questionable, but he did not return to the ice as the Stars fell 5-2, knotting the series at 2-2.

"Fingers crossed, he'll be good for next game," Stars head coach Pete DeBoer told reporters after the game.

That optimism may have taken a hit this morning. According to a story reported by the Dallas Morning News, Tanev was spotted in the airport going back to Dallas wearing a walking boot on the foot.

Losing Tanev for any length of time, even just one game, would be a huge blow to the Stars defensively as they try to bounce back in Game 5. Before his exit, Tanev led all players with 68 blocks during this post-season.

DeBoer's options for replacing him are thin. Nils Lundkvist has only averaged 4.28 TOI during the playoffs, as DeBoer has hesitated to use him in crucial situations. Derrick Pouliot hasn't played in an NHL game since Dallas called him up from the AHL April 20. Lian Bichsel, the Stars' 18th overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, has not played in an NHL game and split time between the AHL's Texas Stars and the Swedish Hockey League.

One of those players could get their opportunity to see action if Tanev isn't able to suit up. That possibility looks grim at the moment, but he has been known to pull off miracles coming back from injuries that would sideline most players for weeks.

As DeBoer said, fingers crossed.