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 Texas Stars showcased an impressive performance in their final home weekend of the AHL regular season, securing a 5-3 victory over the Manitoba Moose. The Stars surged ahead with a dominant four-goal first period, featuring two quick scores from Kyle Capobianco, who demonstrated his offensive prowess with precise wrist shots. Cameron Hughes added another on the power play, while Justin Hryckowian capitalized shortly after a short-handed goal from Manitoba's Axel Jonsson-Fjällby.

Despite a resilient effort from the Moose, who managed to close the gap with goals from Ben King and Fabian Wagner, Hryckowian sealed the game with an empty-netter. Matej Blümel's stellar three-assist performance brought him within striking distance of the AHL scoring lead, marking a significant milestone in his season. With Magnus Hellberg in goal turning away 22 shots, the Stars are poised for their last regular season matchup against the Moose, seeking to end on a high note.

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 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set, and the stakes are high as 16 teams gear up for the fight for hockey's ultimate prize. In the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers, the defending champions, are faced with a fierce first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a rematch that has playoff history and high expectations. The Toronto Maple Leafs' highly anticipated face-off with the Ottawa Senators marks a significant moment, with both teams eager to prove their mettle in the postseason for the first time in over two decades.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are poised for an intense series that will see one power team eliminated early. The Los Angeles Kings are hoping to break their three-year losing streak against the Edmonton Oilers, presenting them with a daunting challenge despite their recent offensive surge. Each matchup carries its own narrative, with expert picks emerging on which teams are favored to advance in this thrilling playoff season.