The Dallas Stars are facing a critical start to their playoff campaign without their leading goal scorer, Jason Robertson, who sustained a lower-body injury during the final regular-season game against Nashville. Coach Pete DeBoer announced that Robertson will be sidelined for at least the beginning of the first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, marking a significant loss for a team that relies heavily on his offensive contributions.

Robertson, who has netted 35 goals and provided 45 assists this season, was injured following an awkward collision with Predators forward Michael McCarron. DeBoer indicated that Robertson is week-to-week in recovery, and while he remains hopeful for a return later in the series, the immediate outlook is less optimistic. Game 1 of the playoffs is set for Saturday night in Dallas, raising questions about how the Stars will adjust their strategy in his absence.

The Colorado Avalanche, emerging from a season marred by injuries, are finally looking healthier as they approach the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Star players, including captain Gabe Landeskog, participated in practice, and coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism regarding the team's readiness for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars. In stark contrast, the Stars are dealing with significant injuries, notably losing defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Jason Robertson, who led the team in scoring.

Heiskanen has not played since late January, while Robertson's status is questionable after he was injured at the end of the regular season. Coach Peter DeBoer emphasized the need for resilience, highlighting the nature of playoff hockey where teams often have to adapt to injuries. Colorado's depth will be key, especially with Landeskog potentially returning from a lengthy absence, which would mark a remarkable comeback given his knee surgery last May.

The NHL playoffs are set to begin, and several key players' injuries could significantly impact their teams' chances. Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars is currently week-to-week due to an injury sustained in the final regular-season game. Coach Peter DeBoer remains hopeful that the Stars can utilize their scoring depth, which includes recent additions like Mikko Rantanen and Evgenii Dadonov, to mitigate the loss of their 35-goal scorer. This situation is compounded by the absence of defenseman Miro Heiskanen, as the Stars enter the playoffs on a tough 0-5-2 streak.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche is keeping a close eye on Gabriel Landeskog, who has been absent since their 2022 championship run due to a knee injury. After a solid two-game conditioning stint in the AHL, he scored in his second game, and coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about his return for the playoff opener against the Stars. Other notable injury updates include Matthew Tkachuk from the Florida Panthers, who hasn't played since an injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off but may be back for Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lastly, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, who has been sidelined since April 3, is expected to recover in time for their matchup against the Los Angeles Kings.

The NHL playoffs are set to commence with a thrilling first round featuring matchups like Winnipeg versus St. Louis and Colorado against Dallas. The intensity is heightened by the influx of fresh talent, including standout rookies like Ivan Demidov from Montreal and Jimmy Snuggerud from St. Louis, who are keen to make their mark. Veterans like Ryan Suter of the Blues and Brent Burns of Carolina are also in pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup, adding a layer of narrative depth to the playoffs.

Goaltending prowess will be on full display, particularly with Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck vying for a Vezina Trophy after an impressive season. However, his playoff history raises questions about his performance under pressure. Injury concerns are also significant, as teams like Dallas face challenges with Miro Heiskanen sidelined and other key players battling injuries.

The Dallas Stars have hit a rough patch, concluding the regular season with their longest losing streak in over a decade. Despite Tyler Seguin's return, they faltered against the Nashville Predators, suffering a 5-1 defeat. Coach Pete DeBoer opted to rest key players before the playoffs, but their defensive issues were exposed, especially during a dismal first period where they surrendered three goals in quick succession. With the playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche looming, the Stars face mounting pressure not only to conclude their losing streak but to perform at their best amidst injuries that may hinder their progress.