The Dallas Stars face a significant setback as rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel enters concussion protocol, sidelining him for at least 5-6 days. Bichsel, who has made a strong impression in his debut season, was injured following a head hit from New York Islanders' Casey Cizikas during a recent match. With his absence, the Stars lose a valuable physical presence on the blue line, as Bichsel ranks second on the team with 73 hits. His physical style of play, along with two goals and three assists this season, has been crucial, especially with the recent injuries to Miro Heiskanen and Nils Lundkvist.

Following the injury, Stars defenseman Matt Dumba stepped in to defend Bichsel against Cizikas’ actions, showcasing the team’s solidarity. As Bichsel recovers, he will miss upcoming games against Columbus, Los Angeles, and potentially St. Louis, heightening the pressure on the remaining defensive core. His development as a promising player has been particularly notable, and his absence will be felt both on and off the ice as the Stars aim to maintain their competitive edge.