DALLAS – As a kid in Wolfwil, Switzerland, Lian Bichsel grew up watching the NHL playoffs.
Now, in just over a week, what was a dream will become a reality. He will be making his first ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoff appearance with his family and friends watching from afar.
“It’s something special, Bichsel said. “Now to be there, tell my friends, tell my family, it’s for sure something special.”
The 6-foot-5 defenseman made an immediate impact after his NHL debut on Dec. 12, even scoring a goal in his first game. Since then, he has become a regular presence on the Stars’ blue line—and an even more prominent force when it comes to delivering hits.
Posting a team high of 140 hits in just 34 games played, along with three goals and five assists, Bichsel is fourth in the NHL for rookie hit leaders this season according to StatMuse.
Captain Jamie Benn is second on the team in hits with 102.
“I’m not waking up in the morning telling myself I have to get seven hits in a game,” he said. “It’s just my game—it always has been.”
For the 19-year-old, physicality isn’t just part of his playstyle, it’s a role he embraces.
“I’m enjoying doing it, I’m doing it for the team, creating space around me so we get a chance to score a goal or just make a good play, ” said Bichsel. “I’ve taken credit that’s my role – small puzzle (piece) in this big locker room.”
A necessary piece of the puzzle as the long awaited start of the playoffs is just a reach away.
Last year Bichsel was able to get a sense of that reach.
During the 2023-2024 Dallas Stars playoff run Bichsel was called-up from the AHL Texas Stars. He was at the American Airlines Center to see a playoff game, however he was not suited up for the Stars.
“I was with the team in the locker room, I wasn’t on the ice but I was watching it closely, ” said Bichsel. “I know a little bit of what to expect but also you don’t really know what’s coming.”
With a three-game homestand and two road games remaining for the Stars, the buzz of playoffs is building and for Bichsel, it’s an opportunity to continue showcasing where those hits can count going into round one.
“I’m just really excited to get it started, to play that physical game, which I love to do,” said Bichsel.
The Dallas Stars face the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night for their first game of their three-game home stand.
