Dallas saw its top defenseman return from a long absence and a depth trade acquisition lead the way in a commanding win on home ice

Just one win away from the Western Conference finals with a 3-1 series lead over the Winnipeg Jets, the Dallas Stars are in a comfortable spot. After Miro Heiskanen’s return Tuesday, the Stars have their full lineup featuring their previously injured players and trade deadline adds for the first time this season.

Dallas has found ways to not only survive, but thrive while shorthanded against some of the NHL’s best power plays, and it’s creating a surge of momentum

Stars head coach Pete DeBoer announced Tuesday that Heiskanen would return to action for Game 4 against the Jets. The Stars activated the defenseman from long-term injured reserve a few hours later, prior to the 7:00 p.m. puck drop.

BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars host the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-1 lead in the series. The teams meet Sunday for the eighth time this season. The Stars won the last matchup 5-2. Dallas is 50-26-6 overall with a 21-12-3 record in Central Division games. The Stars have an 18-7-4 record in one-goal games.

Winnipeg Jets fans have showered Jake Oettinger with chants referring to his role as the USA Hockey backup goalie to Connor Hellebuyck during the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. Well, that “U.S.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who was injured in January, returned in Game 4 against the Winnipeg Jets.