Flames and Stars Face Off in Crucial NHL Matchup

Injury updates, game details, and predictions for the big Dallas vs. Calgary showdown

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in motion, with the players and ice surface fragmented into overlapping planes of color representing the official palettes of the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars.Two NHL rivals clash in a high-stakes late-season showdown that could shape the playoff race.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars will host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. CT in a key NHL matchup between two Western Conference playoff contenders. Both teams are dealing with key injuries as they look to gain ground in the standings with the postseason approaching.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the NHL playoff race, as the Stars and Flames are battling for positioning in the Western Conference. A win could help either team solidify their spot or make a push for a higher seed.

The details

The Stars will be without top scorer Jason Robertson, who is out with a lower-body injury. The Flames are also missing several key players, including defenseman Chris Tanev and forward Nazem Kadri. Despite the injuries, both teams have depth and talent to compete at a high level.

  • The game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. CT.
  • The Stars and Flames last met on March 25, with Calgary winning 4-2.

The players

Jason Robertson

The Stars' leading scorer, Robertson is out with a lower-body injury.

Chris Tanev

The Flames' veteran defenseman is sidelined with an injury.

Nazem Kadri

Calgary's skilled forward is also unavailable due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“We know the importance of this game for our playoff positioning. Injuries are part of the game, but we have the depth to overcome them and get the win.”

— Joe Pavelski, Stars Captain

“It's never easy to be without some of your top players, but we have confidence in our entire roster to step up and get the job done against a tough opponent like Dallas.”

— Darryl Sutter, Flames Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain valuable ground in the Western Conference standings as the regular season winds down.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Stars and Flames features two talented teams dealing with key injuries, setting the stage for an exciting and pivotal NHL showdown with major playoff implications.