The flu bug has made its way through NHL locker rooms this winter, and now it’s the Dallas Stars’ turn to feel the sting. Mikko Rantanen, the team’s leading scorer with 63 points in 48 games, will be out of the lineup tonight due to illness. That’s a tough blow for a Stars team that’s already in the middle of a rough patch, having dropped six of their last ten-including three straight.
Rantanen's absence couldn’t come at a worse time. The Stars are set to host the red-hot Boston Bruins, and missing their top offensive weapon puts more pressure on a team already searching for answers.
The good news? Dallas has a bit of breathing room in the schedule after this week, with games Thursday and Friday before a weekend off.
That gives Rantanen a chance to rest and recover without missing too much action.
In the meantime, Nathan Bastian steps into the lineup. The 28-year-old has seen limited minutes this season, mostly in a fourth-line role, and has chipped in three goals through 22 games. He’s not expected to fill Rantanen’s shoes offensively, but he’ll bring some physicality and energy to the bottom six as the Stars try to grind their way through this stretch.
Around the Central Division:
In Colorado, the Avalanche had a scare off the ice. Forward Valeri Nichushkin was involved in a car accident on his way to the rink before last night’s game, according to head coach Jared Bednar. Thankfully, the injuries were minor, and Nichushkin is considered questionable for tomorrow’s matchup against Anaheim.
Nichushkin has been a steady presence for the Avs this season, contributing 27 points in 38 games-an important piece of Colorado’s secondary scoring. Even without him, the Avalanche didn’t miss a beat, cruising to a 5-2 win over the Capitals. If Nichushkin is able to go against Anaheim, it’ll be a welcome boost for a team that’s looking to keep pace in a tight Western Conference race.
In Nashville, front office decisions loom.
Predators GM Barry Trotz told reporters that he hasn’t yet had contract talks with a trio of pending unrestricted free agents: Michael Bunting, Michael McCarron, and Cole Smith. All three are 30 years old, and each brings something different to the table as Nashville weighs how to balance its future plans with the current roster.
Bunting is the most intriguing name of the bunch. He’s on pace for a 20-goal season and has done a better job staying out of the penalty box-a notable improvement from earlier in his career. His $4.5 million cap hit might give some contenders pause, but his mix of grit and scoring touch could make him a valuable trade chip if Nashville decides to sell.
McCarron and Smith, meanwhile, have carved out roles on the Preds’ fourth line. They’re not flashy, but they’re effective in the trenches-big bodies who can win battles and set the tone physically. Trotz may opt to keep that kind of depth in-house with short-term extensions rather than move them for minimal returns.
With the trade deadline inching closer, teams like Dallas, Colorado, and Nashville are all facing different kinds of pressure. Whether it’s battling through illness, managing injuries, or making roster decisions that shape the future, the Central Division is heating up-and the next few weeks could be pivotal.