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  • Returns to lineup Tuesday
    Wheeler was back in action for Game 4 against the Panthers on Tuesday, recording four hits, two blocks and two PIM in 9:18 of ice time.

    Advice: Wheeler was in the lineup for the first time since Feb. 15 versus Montreal, a stretch of 41 games on the shelf due to his leg injury. Even with the veteran cleared to play, he may still have to serve as a healthy scratch periodically as he eases his way back to 100 percent, perhaps including Game 5 against Florida on Thursday. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:08 am
     
  • Bags apple in loss
    Harley notched an assist in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers in Game 4.

    Advice: The helper snapped a seven-game slump for Harley. The 22-year-old defenseman may be starting to feel the wear and tear of a full-length NHL season and a deep playoff run, as he's struggled to provide a strong two-way game in the playoffs. Harley has three helpers, 44 blocked shots, 27 shots on net, 12 hits and a plus-8 rating over 17 postseason contests. He was dropped to the second pairing Wednesday after spending a majority of the playoffs alongside Miro Heiskanen on the top pairing. There may be more shuffling ahead for the Stars' defense if Chris Tanev (lower body) can't suit up Friday in Game 5. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:53 pm
     
  • Provides helper in loss
    Heiskanen recorded an assist and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers in Game 4.

    Advice: Heiskanen set up an Esa Lindell tally in the first period. The helper extended Heiskanen's point streak to three games, though he also took a minus rating for the first time since Game 1 of the second round. The Finnish blueliner is up to 16 points, 38 shots on net, 40 blocked shots, 25 hits and an even plus-minus rating over 17 playoff outings in a top-pairing role. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:51 pm
     
  • Helps out on both goals in loss
    Benn registered two assists and two hits in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers in Game 4.

    Advice: This was Benn's third straight multi-point effort. He's racked up two goals and six assists during a five-game point streak. The 34-year-old forward is up to four goals, 11 assists, 35 shots on net, 46 hits and a plus-4 rating through 17 playoff contests, playing well in a middle-six role in the Stars' balanced offense. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:49 pm
     
  • Scores early in loss
    Johnston scored a goal on two shots, added two hits and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers in Game 4.

    Advice: Johnston scored for the second game in a row, but instead of being part of a comeback, it was the opening goal in a loss. The center has two goals and two assists over his last three contests, giving him 15 points, 53 shots on net, 23 hits and a plus-3 rating through 17 playoff outings. Johnston has shuffled around the lineup at times this postseason, but he's often been at or near the top of the ice time list among Stars forwards. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:44 pm
     
  • Falters in Game 4
    Oettinger allowed four goals on 28 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Oilers in Wednesday's Game 4. The fifth goal was an empty-netter.

    Advice: Oettinger was spotted a 2-0 lead early in the first period, but he couldn't hold back the surge the Oilers generated after that. They got to him twice in both the first and second periods. Oettinger is down to 10-7 with a 2.20 GAA and a .919 save percentage this postseason after allowing three or more goals for the fourth time in the last six contests Wednesday. Despite the recent inconsistent play, the 25-year-old is just about a guarantee to start in Friday's pivotal Game 5 back in Dallas. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:42 pm
     
  • Departs Wednesday's game
    Tanev (lower body) did not return to Wednesday's Game 4 after blocking a shot in the second period.

    Advice: The Stars initially labeled Tanev as questionable to return, but his inability to get back on the ice in this contest is not a positive sign. The 34-year-old defenseman is a key part of the Stars' defensive structure, so a potential absence for Friday's Game 5 or beyond could spell trouble for the team. If Tanev is unable to play, Nils Lundkvist is the most likely player to draw into the lineup, though he has seen very sheltered minutes when he's played during the postseason. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 8:14 pm
     
  • Set to start Game 4
    Oettinger is expected to tend the twine on the road in Game 4 against the Oilers on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

    Advice: Oettinger has been struggling with consistency of late, allowing just one goal in three of his last six outings while also giving up three or more tallies in the other trio of appearances. Still, the backstop is sporting a 2.05 GAA and .922 save percentage over that stretch while going 4-2. Based on his recent trend, Oettinger could be due for a strong performance in Game 4. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:34 am
     
  • Contributes assist in win
    Stankoven logged an assist and three blocked shots in Monday's 5-3 win over the Oilers in Game 3.

    Advice: Stankoven set up a Wyatt Johnston tally at 9:08 of the second period, which put the Stars ahead 3-2. The helper ended Stankoven's three-game dry spell. The 21-year-old has stepped into a middle-six role and handled himself well, picking up seven points, 27 shots on net, 20 hits, 16 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 16 playoff outings. He's got a bright future, but for now Stankoven is filling a supporting role. Rotowire.com Monday, 9:04 pm