Dec 1, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1a2bb9bd-6e2d-4fad-a056-279ba2b00870.jpeg] Dec 1, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] fan base received some positive news Saturday morning as Miro Hieskanen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/miro-heiskanens-post-surgery-update-suggests-possible-early-return-to-ice] took the ice for an optional skate. Heiskanen was not placed on long-term injured reserve back on March 7th, and was thought he would not play a factor in the opening playoff series, but after an optional skate we know can see the Finnish defenseman possibly make an appearance before the series ends. The Dallas Stars suffered a huge loss back in March when veteran defenseman Miro Heiskanen when down for the foreseeable future [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-fans-rage-as-dallas-defender-leaves-game-with-injury] with a lower-body injury. As the regular season wrapped up on Wednesday, it was announced that Hieskanen would most likely miss the first round matchup with the Colorado Avalanche. Today's optional skate appearance has somewhat turned that narrative to the wayside, as we can possibly see Hieskanen before the series ends. While head coach Pete DeBoer stressed on Saturday that Heiskanen is "not there yet", the hope by many is that the blue liner will be back sooner rather than later to assist the struggling Dallas defense. The Stars kick off their first round playoff series against the Avalanche tonight in Dallas. Puck drop is set for 7pm CDT, and can be viewed TNT, Tru TV, Max, and Victory+. Make sure you bookmark THN's Dallas Stars site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
