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Stars Announce Nils Lundkvist News After 'Deep' Facial Cut in Game 4
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- Stars Announce Nils Lundkvist News After 'Deep' Facial Cut in Game 4
The Dallas Stars couldn't finish the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of their first-round series, allowing the game to reach overtime and ultimately falling 3-2.
Following the loss, the Western Conference first-round series is now tied at 2-2 as the matchup shifts back to Texas, where the Stars split the first two games with the Wild.
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Amid a tight Game 4, all attention turned toward a bizarre sequence near Dallas ' crease that forced an unexpected lineup change for the Stars and could have a broader impact in the series.
Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist left the game and did not return after being involved in a collision close to the Stars' goal. The play happened when Lundkvist tangled with Michael McCarron while defending the play. As both players went down, McCarron's skate made contact with Lundkvist's face, cutting him.
After the game, Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan provided an initial update but did not offer a firm timeline for Lundkvist's return.
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"He's got a deep facial laceration from that skate," Gulutzan said. "He just didn't return, so we'll have him looked at when we get home."
While Gulutzan confirmed the team will reassess Lundkvist's condition once they return to Dallas ahead of Game 5, the head coach was asked whether the defenseman had gone to the hospital, and he couldn't answer.
"I have no idea if he's in the building or not," Gulutzan said.
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The 25-year-old defenseman had been part of the Stars' rotation throughout the series, logging steady minutes as part of Dallas' second pairing on the blue line.
Lundkvist has played almost 67 total minutes in the series through four games, scoring two points (both assists) and with two shots on goal across 88 shifts .
Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET Tuesday in Dallas.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
