Canada Sport News

Roope Hintz's availability uncertain for Game 3 against Oilers due to injury
  • news, Western Conference Final: Oilers vs. Stars
    •

    Roope Hintz’s availability uncertain for Game 3 against Oilers due to injury

    As the Western Conference Final shifts to Edmonton, Dallas Stars centre Roope Hintz is a game-time decision once again.

    Stars head coach Peter DeBoer told reporters the news ahead of Monday night’s pivotal Game 3.

    After being “a possibility” for Game 2, Hintz was considered a game-time decision leading up to Dallas’ 3-1 win, but was ruled out shortly before puck drop.

    The Stars’ win evened the series at 1-1.

    Hintz has been out of the lineup since leaving Game 4 of the Stars’ second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche with an upper-body injury.

    “He’s not (Connor) McDavid, but what would (the Oilers) do if they took their first-line centre out of the lineup?” Stars head coach Peter DeBoer said Saturday when asked about Hintz’s impact on the team. “What would the Rangers be if you took (Mika) Zibanejad out of the lineup?

    “It’s fairly obvious. (Hintz) is big, he skates, he’s a 200-foot player. He’s one of our best defensive players, one of our best penalty killers, creates offence… he’s physical.”

    In 11 games this post-season, the 27-year-old has two goals and four assists. In the 2022-23 playoffs, Hintz scored 10 goals and had 24 points in 19 games.

    Hintz is coming off his third straight 30-goal regular season, finishing second on the Stars in goals and tied for third in points.

    More from Sportsnet
    Oilers’ McLeod draws out of lineup for Game 3, Henrique back in


    NHL Playoffs: Stars DJ apologizes for playing ‘La Bamba’ after win

    Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz’s availability for Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain due to an injury he sustained in Game 2. Hintz left the game early in the third period after taking a hard hit along the boards. The nature and severity of his injury have not been disclosed by the team, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his potential return.

    Hintz has been a key player for the Stars this season, recording 43 points in 60 games and playing a significant role in their playoff run. His absence would be a significant blow to the team, as they look to take a commanding lead in the series against the Oilers.

    Head coach Rick Bowness has not provided any updates on Hintz’s status for Game 3, leaving fans on edge as they await further information. If Hintz is unable to play, the Stars will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence.

    Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and the uncertainty surrounding Hintz’s availability serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game. Fans will have to wait and see if Hintz is able to recover in time for Game 3, or if the Stars will have to make do without one of their key players.