Stars Lose Lian Bichsel to Injury, But Their Blue Line Resilience Is Already Showing
Injuries are part of the grind in an NHL season, but some hits sting more than others-especially when they come to a young, rising piece of your defensive core. The Dallas Stars will be without defenseman Lian Bichsel for the next 6 to 8 weeks after he suffered a broken ankle that will require surgery.
It’s a tough blow, no question. But here’s the thing: Dallas is built to weather this kind of storm.
Let’s break down what happened, what it means, and why the Stars are far from panic mode.
The Injury: A Tough Break on Familiar Ice
Bichsel went down in the Stars' recent home game against the Ottawa Senators, and if you saw the play, you knew right away something wasn’t right. He chased a puck into the corner and went into the boards awkwardly-his ankle, the same one he previously had surgery on, bent in a way that made fans hold their breath. He left the ice without putting any weight on the leg, and the diagnosis confirmed what many feared: a broken ankle, surgery required, and a lengthy recovery ahead.
For a player who brings size, reach, and physicality to the Stars’ blue line, this is a setback. But it’s not a death sentence for Dallas’ defensive structure.
Next Man Up: Capobianco and Kolyachonok Holding the Line
The Stars have already been dealing with a banged-up blue line, and the response from their depth players has been nothing short of impressive. Kyle Capobianco and Vladislav Kolyachonok, both called up from the AHL, have stepped into the lineup and played with poise and purpose. They’re not just surviving-they’re contributing.
If you watched Dallas over the last few games without knowing the injury situation, you might not even realize they were missing key pieces on defense. That’s a testament not only to the play of Capobianco and Kolyachonok but to the system the Stars have in place. They’re playing disciplined, structured hockey, and they’re getting solid contributions up and down the lineup.
And help is on the way. Both Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist are trending toward returns, which will bolster the group even further.
Offense Picking Up the Slack
While the defense regroups, the Stars’ offense is doing its part-and then some. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are in rhythm, and when those two are clicking, they can tilt the ice in a hurry. The power play has been sharp, even-strength scoring is consistent, and the team’s overall structure hasn’t wavered despite the injuries.
That’s the kind of balance you need to stay competitive during stretches like this. You don’t replace a player like Bichsel one-for-one, but you adapt-and Dallas is doing exactly that.
Bottom Line: No Panic Necessary
Losing a promising young defenseman like Lian Bichsel isn’t ideal, but this isn’t uncharted territory for the Stars. They’ve been navigating injuries all season and still look like a team with serious staying power. With Capobianco and Kolyachonok stepping up, the offense humming, and reinforcements on the way, Dallas is in good shape.
The Stars kick off a back-to-back road set on the East Coast tonight, starting with the New York Rangers. It’s another test, but if recent performances are any indication, this team is more than ready to handle it-Bichsel or no Bichsel.