Tanev (lower body) will be a game-time decision for Game 5 versus Edmonton on Friday, though coach Peter DeBoer is optimistic that Tanev (lower body) will play, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev was injured blocking a shot Wednesday in the second period and was unable to return. Tanev is a stud defensively and if he is unable to go, the Stars will need to fill a big hole on the blue line. Lian Bichsel is poised to make his NHL debut if Tanev is unable to go.

Tanev (lower body) did not return to Wednesday's Game 4 after blocking a shot in the second period.

EDGE Analysis

The Stars initially labeled Tanev as questionable return, but his inability to get back on the ice in this contest is not a positive sign. The 34-year-old defenseman is a key part of the Stars' defensive structure, so a potential absence for Friday's Game 5 or beyond could spell trouble for the team. If Tanev is unable to play, Nils Lundkvist is the most likely player to draw into the lineup, though he has seen very sheltered minutes when he's played during the postseason.

Tanev logged an assist, two hits and four blocked shots in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Avalanche in Game 2.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev helped out on Esa Lindell's empty-net goal. The assist snapped an 11-game point drought for Tanev, who continues to be a defensive force with little scoring upside during the postseason. He's posted 35 blocked shots, 12 hits, eight shots on net and a plus-5 rating through nine playoff outings following a 19-point regular season across 75 games for Dallas and Calgary.

Tanev notched an assist, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev had a shot attempt tipped in by Joe Pavelski in the second period, and that goal stood as the game-winner. This is the third straight game with an assist for Tanev, who has remained steady as ever on defense since he was traded from the Flames to the Stars. The blueliner has five points and a plus-7 rating over 16 contests with Dallas, and he's up to 19 points, 52 shots on net, 201 blocked shots and a plus-23 rating through 72 outings this season.

Tanev notched an assist, three hits and two blocked shots in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev has helpers in back-to-back contests while adding seven blocks in that span. The 34-year-old defenseman is up to 18 points, 52 shots on net, 199 blocks, 39 hits and a plus-21 rating over 71 appearances between the Stars and the Flames this season. Tanev should continue to see heavy defensive usage in a top-four role.

Tanev notched an assist, two shots on goal and five blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev snapped a six-game point drought by helping out on a Jamie Benn tally in the third period. The 34-year-old Tanev has three points over 14 contests with the Stars since he was traded from the Flames. He's up to 17 points, 51 shots on net, 197 blocked shots and a plus-20 rating through 70 games this season.

Tanev (upper body) practiced fully Tuesday and is expected to be available for Wednesday's matchup with Edmonton, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev was evaluated for an injury after exiting Saturday's win over Seattle early, but it appears whatever forced him from that contest wasn't overly serious. The 34-year-old vet has picked up two points through 12 games since joining the Stars in a trade with the Flames.

Tanev (upper body) wasn't able to complete Saturday's 3-0 win over Seattle, Darren Brown of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Adam Larsson was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for elbowing Tanev early in the third period. The 34-year-old Tanev played four shifts following the hit before being forced to leave the game for good. He will be evaluated Sunday to determine his status. Dallas is off until Wednesday against Edmonton, so Tanev has some time to recover.

Tanev notched an assist and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Tanev has picked up two points over seven outings with the Stars since he was traded from the Flames in late February. The defenseman continues to hold a top-four role and could see heavier usage as long as Jani Hakanpaa (lower body) is out. Tanev has 16 points, a plus-19 rating, 179 blocked shots and 48 shots on net through 63 appearances this season.

Tanev scored a goal, blocked two shots, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Friday's 6-2 win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old defenseman was able to get his first goal and point as a Star in his second game with the team. Tanev has already matched his goal total from 56 contests with the Flames to begin the year. He's up to 15 points, 44 shots on net, 174 blocked shots and a plus-19 rating over 58 appearances. Tanev is likely to fill a defense-focused top-four role in Dallas.