Dallas Stars Make Lineup Changes Ahead of Crucial Game 5

DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Stars will make a crucial lineup change for Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers, as they aim to avoid elimination in the Western Conference finals. Coach Pete DeBoer announced that forward Bourque will step into the lineup for just the third time this postseason, following two games as a healthy scratch.

Bourque last played in Game 4 against Colorado, marking his first playoff action since then. The Stars lost both games Bourque played this postseason, where he did not record a point. The 23-year-old has had a solid regular season, participating in 73 games, scoring 11 goals and contributing 14 assists.

DeBoer expressed the need for Bourque to provide a spark, especially as the Stars have struggled offensively. “We hope he can bring some energy to our lineup,” DeBoer said. “He’s shown he can be a valuable player in important situations.”

The Stars face a daunting challenge, down 3-1 in the series, with teams leading 3-1 winning the series 91% of the time in NHL history. Dallas has never come back from such a deficit, holding an 0-16 record in series trailing 3-1. Their lone effort to force a Game 7 came back in 2007 against the Vancouver Canucks.

In the current series, the Stars have been significantly outscored in recent games and have struggled to find the back of the net. They scored only two goals in their last three games, prompting the need for a change in strategy and personnel.

After a disappointing offensive performance, the Stars were outscored 13-2 in their previous three games against the Oilers. Forward Jason Robertson remains a key player but has been quiet in the playoffs, only scoring once during this series.

As the team prepares for the pivotal Game 5 at the American Airlines Center, their roster will need to step up to change the series’s narrative. “We can’t let this season slip by without a fight,” said DeBoer. “We need to play for our season and show what we’re made of.”

With everything on the line, fans are hopeful that Bourque and other returning players can help turn the tide against Edmonton, which has dominated the series thus far.