Stars' Dillon reports progress, Game 5 return possible

DALLAS -- Dallas Stars defenseman Brenden Dillon will not play in Game 4 of their Western Conference First Round series with the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday at American Airlines Center (8 p.m. ET; CNBC, TSN, RDS2, PRIME, FS-SW), but could return for Game 5 on Friday at Honda Center in Anaheim.

Dillon participated in the morning skate Wednesday with no issue and is progressing in his recovery from an injury he sustained in a 3-0 win against the St. Louis Blues on April 11, the night Dallas clinched its first trip to the postseason in six years.

"Felt better, things are progressing day by day. Just trying to take it one step at a time and do what I can control," Dillon said Wednesday.

Stars coach Lindy Ruff ruled Dillon out for Game 4 but said he could be a possibility to return in time for Friday, which would be his playoff debut.

"Brenden is getting closer. He had a good day yesterday, a good day today," Ruff said. "I would anticipate that if we give him a good practice tomorrow, there's a good chance he could play on Friday."

Dillon was on the ice for an optional skate Tuesday at the Stars headquarters in neighboring Frisco and stated how good he felt after that short session.

Wednesday, he said he felt even better after his latest stint on the ice, indicating his return could be soon.

"Better today than I was yesterday, and better yesterday than I was the day before that, so I'm just trying to do what I can here and trying to control what I can control and do my rehab and get as better as I can," Dillon said.