Just 27 seconds into last night's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets everything was great for the Dallas Stars. Brad Richards had already scored an important first goal in what would be an eventual shootout victory. Unfortunately, that win came at a serious cost.
Midway through the second period, Richards was checked into the boards and then slowly skated off the ice painfully supporting his right arm. Richards will be officially evaluated Tuesday, and the team has yet to confirm the injury, but TSN reported after the game that Richards suffered a broken wrist.
"The former Conn Smythe trophy winner suffered a broken wrist when he was drilled into the boards by Blue Jackets forward Jakub Voracek. Richards will meet with a specialist on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury and necessary treatment," TSN reported.
Richards is second on the Stars in points with 16 goals and 32 assists. In a tight Western Conference, Dallas cannot afford to miss their center for significant time, but it's the unfortunate reality of their current situation. The Stars sit fifth in standings right now, but are remarkably just four points ahead of Minnesota in 10th.
In a race so tight, teams can't afford to make excuses or drop points.
"It's just so tight, and you need every point you can get," Tippett said. "I guarantee you we're going to come down to the last week [of the season], and you're going to be thinking about the points you could have had."
The Stars will have to look internally for a replacement. Tom Wandell, who is currently playing in Sweden and played four games for the Stars in December, seems likely to rejoin the team. Chris Conner could also be called up from the AHL, but a trade for outside help looks unlikely.
Dallas will have to fight with what they have to make the postseason.
Wes Cox is a Dallas based blogger whose thoughts on the Mavs can be read daily at www.mavsmoneyball.com
