Latest on Chris Tanev Revealed Ahead of Game 5

Dallas Stars fans have been waiting with bated breath all day for an update on key shot-blocking defenseman Chris Tanev. But all they've gotten from head coach Pete DeBoer is "I would call him game time. I'm optimistic."

Tanev was injured in the second period of Dallas' Game 4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, blocking his (incredibly) 68th shot in just 17 playoff games. He was seen leaving Edmonton on Thursday in a walking boot

But for those worried about whether Tanev will suit up... this guy is a warrior. And as noted by hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, he'd be shocked if Tanev doesn't play... even if he has a broken foot.

"He's got immortalities," said Seravalli of Tanev. "You can never really say he's dead. Because even when he's severely injured which he may be after blocking that shot, even if the bone is broken, I'm not entirely sure you can rule Chris Tanev out for Game Five." The d-man's Stars teammates echoed that sentiment. Jason Robertson said "All you gotta do is look at his smile & you'll see how tough he is," while Jamie Benn confirmed, "He's a warrior. I've known that before he even got here.. He's a tough guy to play against. He pays the price for his team."

Tanev was acquired at the trade deadline from the Calgary Flames, and has more than earned his keep on the Dallas blueline.

But just in case the impossible happens, and he can't go Friday night, 20-year-old Lian Bichsel, who's never played a game in the NHL, says he’s been told to be ready to play in Tanev's place.