Pete DeBoer Delivers Bad News for the Dallas Stars Ahead of Game 2

Both the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets entered the second round of the playoffs with key players injured. While Mark Scheifele returned for Game 1, top defenseman Josh Morrissey wasn't in the lineup due to a massive hit from Brayden Schenn in the final game against the St. Louis Blues:

As for the Stars, forward Jason Robertson returned to the lineup after missing the first round, but their number one defenseman, Miro Heiskanen, was still watching the game from the press box.

Heiskanen got injured in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights in late January after a collision with Mark Stone, and hasn't taken part in a game since.

Here's how he got injured:

However, reports confirmed his return would be imminent. A few hours ahead of the second game against the Jets, head coach Pete DeBoer shared an update on Heiskanen's status.

In his pre-game press conference, DeBoer stated that Heiskanen won't play tonight.

He also confirmed that the team will have the same lineup from Game 1, per John Lu:

In Heiskanen's absence, Thomas Harley has stepped up to the occasion and plays an important role in his team's success. He has a lot of ice time and big responsibilities, both offensively and defensively. In eight games since the playoffs started, the 23-year-old scored six points, including two goals.

Harley and the Stars will look to win a second straight game in Winnipeg, in the hope of returning to Dallas for a 2-0 lead and the opportunity of sweeping the Jets.

Pressure will be on the Jets tonight, who will want to avoid such a scenario. With Morrissey back in the lineup and the home advantage, anything could happen.