Report: Chris Tanev wearing walking boot after blocking shot in Game 4

Dallas Stars defenceman Chris Tanev is renowned for his seemingly Wolverine-like ability to overcome injuries, but a shot block in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final appears to have left him in a walking boot.

Tanev, 34, took a shot from Oilers forward Evander Kane off his right foot during the second period of the Stars’ 5-2 loss to the Oilers at Rogers Place on Wednesday night.

The veteran defender hobbled down the tunnel to the Stars’ dressing room and did not reappear on the bench after the second intermission. After being labelled “questionable to return,” Tanev did not play in the third period.

Stars head coach Peter DeBoer did not provide a specific update on Tanev’s condition after the game, saying he was keeping his fingers crossed that he’d be available for Game 5 in Dallas on Friday.

Daily Faceoff hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported on Thursday that “there were whispers Tanev exited Rogers Place in a walking boot,” also noting that the Stars would not confirm it. But a photo began to circulate social media on Thursday showing Tanev wearing a walking boot on his right foot in what appears to be the Edmonton Airport.

The Stars acquired Tanev from the Calgary Flames ahead of the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and defence prospect Artem Grushnikov. The Flames will receive the third-round pick if Dallas advances to this year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Tanev has appeared in all 17 games for the Stars in these playoffs thus far, collecting one assist and averaging 22:33 of ice time. He racked up two goals and 19 points in 75 games during the 2023-24 regular season.

The Oilers overcame a 2-0 deficit early in the first period to defeat the Stars in convincing fashion in Game 4 on Wednesday, setting the stage for a best-of-three finale in this Western Conference Final. As the top team in the West during the regular season, the Stars have home-ice advantage and will host Games 5 and 7, the latter only if necessary.

The Eastern Conference Final is also tied at two games apiece, with the New York Rangers set to host the Florida Panthers in a pivotal game at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. MT.