Lian Bichsel, a promising defenseman for the Dallas Stars, suffered a significant injury after crashing into the boards during a playoff game against the Colorado Avalanche. The incident occurred early in the second period when Bichsel lost his footing during a joust with Jack Drury, leading to a heavy collision with the boards. Despite being a key player in Dallas’ defensive lineup, which has kept Colorado's high-powered offense in check, Bichsel's status for the remainder of the game remained uncertain. He was seen favoring his shoulder as he was helped off the ice by the medical team. Bichsel has been an integral part of the Stars' playoff run, contributing both offensively and defensively in his debut NHL season.

Lian Bichsel, a young defenseman for the Dallas Stars, was injured after crashing into the boards during a playoff match against the Colorado Avalanche, a team known for its offensive prowess.

The incident happened early in the second period as Bichsel was engaged in a physical battle with Jack Drury along the boards, which he initially seemed to win before losing his balance.

Bichsel's collision with the boards was severe, resulting in him needing major assistance from the medical staff to get off the ice, as he appeared to favor his shoulder afterward.

The Stars' defensive unit, including Bichsel, has been crucial in their series lead over the Avalanche, managing to restrict Colorado to two or fewer goals in multiple games.

Bichsel, a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has made significant contributions in his first NHL season, recording four goals and five assists in 38 games and playing a vital role in all six of the Stars’ playoff encounters.

His partnership with veteran Alex Petrovic has been particularly effective, showcasing his ability as a two-way player despite his young age.

The game continued with Dallas holding a narrow 4-3 lead at the end of the second period, but Bichsel's potential absence could impact the team's defensive strategy moving forward.

The Stars hold a slim 3-2 advantage in their first-round series against the Avalanche. They owe much of that lead to their stout defensemen corps.

Dallas is as high-octane as they come, blessed with a treasure trove of scorers, including Matt Duchene, Jason Robertson, What Johnston, Roope Hintz, and the recently acquired Mikko Rantanen.

Yet, it's that defensive core that has proved so pivotal in its first-round clash. Colorado, the sixth-most prolific team in NHL during the regular season, has been held to two goals or fewer in two of its six games.

Lian Bichsel, the Stars' promising defender, is a major reason why. He's established himself as a two-way talent, routinely tallying double-digit minutes despite not being able to legally drink in his home city.

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On Thursday, Bichsel was felled by what looked like a serious injury after crashing into the boards. Here's what you need to know about Bichsel's status going forward.

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Lian Bichsel injury update

Bichsel was helped off the ice after crashing into the boards early in the second period. The incident occurred with 17:54 left in the frame, with Bichsel jostling with Jack Drury along the boards.

The Swiss defender appeared to win the joust, evading Drury as he curled toward the wall. However, Bichsel lost his footing in an instant, tumbling into the ice in the process. His momentum carried him into the boards, setting off a seismic collision between the 20-year-old and the wall.

Lian Bichsel goes down hard into the boards and needs major assistance getting off the ice 🤕 pic.twitter.com/R37mriAeHg

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 2, 2025

Bichsel lingered on the ice for some time. He was escorted off the playing surface by Dallas' medical personnel. It wasn't immediately clear whether he'd taken a shot to the head or shoulder, although Dallas Morning News' Lia Assimakopoulos reported that he favored his shoulder after the wreck.

It's unclear if Bichsel will return to the game.

A first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Bichsel tallied four goals and five assists in 38 appearances in 2024-25, his maiden NHL season. He's appeared in all six of the Stars' postseason matches thus far, pairing well with veteran partner Alex Petrovic.

Dallas leads 4-3 at the end of the second period.