Stars forward Tanner Kero resting at home after scary collision vs. Blackhawks

Dallas Stars forward Tanner Kero was discharged from the hospital Saturday night and is resting at home, according to a team spokesperson. The Stars said Kero was conscious, alert and responsive when initially taken to the hospital after he was hit by Chicago Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly during the first period on Saturday night.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety suspended Connolly for four games on Sunday evening, following a hearing earlier in the day. He will forfeit $70,000 in salary during his suspension.

“Fully aware of Kero’s presence, and with a substantial amount of time to change his path, avoid contact entirely, move toward the wall to seal off the boards, or do more to minimize the impact on Kero, Connolly braces himself for impact and skates directly through his opponent,” the DOPS said in a video explaining the suspension. “And because Kero is never close to being in possession of the puck, he is in no way braced for contact, making him substantially more vulnerable.”

Connolly did not have any previous history of fines or suspensions in his 11-year career.

Connolly was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. The Stars scored twice on the five-minute power play after the penalty.

Offense from D: Stars defenseman John Klingberg scored his first goal of the season when he scored in overtime Saturday night in a 4-3 win over Chicago, a positive sign as Dallas looks for more production from their defensemen.

Klingberg entered Saturday’s game as one of four Stars defensemen in the Dallas lineup without a goal on the year, a missing source of offense for a Stars roster that needs contributions from everywhere.

Last year, the Stars got 20.5% of their goals from their defensemen, the highest proportion in the league. This year, only 9.5% of Stars goals have come from defensemen, the ninth-lowest figure in the league. Miro Heiskanen (three), Ryan Suter (three) and Klingberg have Dallas’ only goals from defensemen.

Klingberg finished Saturday with seven shot attempts and four shots on goal. This season, Klingberg has only had one game with more shots on goal.

“I had my shots the last few games,” Klingberg said. “I told you I was going to shoot more, I think I had my chances today, so it was nice to see it go in.”

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