DALLAS, TEXAS — Throughout the Dallas Stars’ first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, one thing remained consistent: head coach Pete DeBoer stuck with the same defenseman pairings.
Lindell – Ceci
Harley – Lyubushkin
Bichsel – Petrovic
While Thomas Harley and Ilya Lyubushkin started off at the top of the pairings the first four games, the pairs remained intact throughout the series. As the Stars head into Round 2 against the Winnipeg Jets, here’s a breakdown of what each duo has contributed to the team’s playoff run.
Lindell – Ceci
Esa Lindell has been a workhorse for the Stars, averaging 24:42 of ice time per game in the postseason. In the series against Colorado, he tallied 17 blocked shots and registered seven shots on goal.
Paired with him is Cody Ceci, who was acquired in a Feb. 1 trade from the San Jose Sharks. Ceci has recorded 14 blocks so far in the playoffs and has shown strong chemistry with Lindell on the blue line.
Harley – Lyubushkin
Thomas Harley has been a stud all season long, leading all Stars defensemen in scoring during the regular season with 16 goals and 34 assists.
Harley stepped up big in the absence of Miro Heiskanen, who could return in Round 2 pending medical signoff. In Round 1, Harley contributed 2 goals, 3 assists, 21 blocked shots, and 10 shots on net.
Ilya Lyubushkin has held a steady role on the blue line, contributing nine shots on goal and providing reliable defensive coverage.
Bichsel – Petrovic
Lian Bichsel has been a standout in his first-ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. His height and physicality have created many opportunities for defensive stops. Bichsel leads all Stars defensemen with 23 hits this postseason.
“I’m not waking up in the morning telling myself I have to get seven hits in a game,” he said.
“It’s just my game—it always has been.”
For the 19-year-old, physicality isn’t just part of his playstyle—it’s a role he embraces.
One of the under-the-radar stories of the Stars’ playoff run is Alexander Petrovic. After spending most of the season with the AHL’s Texas Stars (58 games) and only five in Dallas, Petrovic has been thrown into postseason action—something he’s familiar with after playing seven playoff games for the Stars last year.
Coach DeBoer praised the Bichsel–Petrovic pairing for their effort and work ethic in Round 1.
“I haven’t been here all season, so it’s getting used to the other players,” Petrovic said.
He’s added 10 hits, 9 blocked shots, and 5 shots on goal.
“Other guys on the team trust the chemistry with each other, so every game gets a little bit more comfortable in that aspect,” said Petrovic.
“I think at the end of the day, it’s the same preparation for each game—just getting ready for it.”
On playing with Bichsel, Petrovic added:
“After games, we do a little video work together to see where we are on the ice. That helps with communication and chemistry. Doing those little things together makes it a lot easier once we’re out there in a game.”
This pairing posted a 55.1% expected goals percentage (xGoals) in Round 1, per MoneyPuck.
Round 2 vs. Winnipeg Jets
Miro Heiskanen has been skating in practices and morning skates ahead of the Stars’ second-round matchup against the Jets.
DeBoer said a return is possible, but added:
“I’ve got enough to worry about with the 20 guys that are playing for us on any given night. When [injured players] become part of that group, that becomes my real concern. Until then, there’s a whole group of people making those decisions.”
