The Stars hold a slim 3-2 advantage in their first-round series against the Avalanche. They owe much of that lead to their stout defensemen corps.
Dallas is as high-octane as they come, blessed with a treasure trove of scorers, including Matt Duchene, Jason Robertson, What Johnston, Roope Hintz, and the recently acquired Mikko Rantanen.
Yet, it’s that defensive core that has proved so pivotal in its first-round clash. Colorado, the sixth-most prolific team in NHL during the regular season, has been held to two goals or fewer in two of its six games.
Lian Bichsel, the Stars’ promising defender, is a major reason why. He’s established himself as a two-way talent, routinely tallying double-digit minutes despite not being able to legally drink in his home city.
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On Thursday, Bichsel was felled by what looked like a serious injury after crashing into the boards. Here’s what you need to know about Bichsel’s status going forward.
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Lian Bichsel injury update
Bichsel was helped off the ice after crashing into the boards early in the second period. The incident occurred with 17:54 left in the frame, with Bichsel jostling with Jack Drury along the boards.
The Swiss defender appeared to win the joust, evading Drury as he curled toward the wall. However, Bichsel lost his footing in an instant, tumbling into the ice in the process. His momentum carried him into the boards, setting off a seismic collision between the 20-year-old and the wall.
Lian Bichsel goes down hard into the boards and needs major assistance getting off the ice 🤕 pic.twitter.com/R37mriAeHg
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 2, 2025
Bichsel lingered on the ice for some time. He was escorted off the playing surface by Dallas’ medical personnel. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he’d taken a shot to the head or shoulder, although Dallas Morning News’ Lia Assimakopoulos reported that he favored his shoulder after the wreck.
It’s unclear if Bichsel will return to the game.
A first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Bichsel tallied four goals and five assists in 38 appearances in 2024-25, his maiden NHL season. He’s appeared in all six of the Stars’ postseason matches thus far, pairing well with veteran partner Alex Petrovic.
Dallas leads 4-3 at the end of the second period.
