Barring any new developments, Dallas Stars goaltender Braden Holtby could miss the remainder of the regular season, head coach Rick Bowness announced Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Saad Yousuf.
Holtby hasn't been skating and last started a game on March 4 against the Winnipeg Jets. A lower-body ailment has sidelined Holtby since then and has limited him to just 24 appearances this season. He's posted a .913 save percentage and 2.78 goals-against average while enjoying a solid bounce-back campaign.
Dallas placed the 32-year-old on long-term injured reserve on March 21.
The Stars entered the 2021-22 campaign with depth in the crease. However, their situation thinned out considerably after Ben Bishop retired in December and Anton Khudobin underwent season-ending surgery in March.
Jake Oettinger has performed admirably since taking on the bulk of the starting duties. He's recorded a .914 save percentage across 42 appearances this season.
Dallas acquired goaltender Scott Wedgewood from the Arizona Coyotes prior to the trade deadline. He's been solid for the Stars across four showings and pitched a 25-save shutout against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night.
The Stars currently hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. They're one point back of the Nashville Predators and three points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.
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