HIGHLIGHTS
- Roope Hintz practiced Monday and hopes to play in crucial Game 4
- Stars trail Oilers 2-1 after being outscored 9-1 in last two games
- Read below for Hintz’s injury status and what it means for Dallas
The Dallas Stars might get some much-needed reinforcements for Game 4.
Roope Hintz skated in Monday’s optional practice and expressed optimism about returning from the lower-body injury that kept him out of Sunday’s 6-1 beatdown in Edmonton.
“Feeling good,” Hintz told reporters. “I’m trying to do everything that I can that I’m able to play tomorrow.”
The 28-year-old center got hurt in Game 2 when Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse slashed him at 3:46 of the third period. Hintz had to be helped off the ice, favoring his left leg.
He tried warming up for Game 3 but left early. Without their second-leading playoff scorer, Dallas got steamrolled.
Game-Time Decision
Coach Pete DeBoer kept it simple when asked about Hintz’s status: “Heal and get better, and we’ll cross our fingers. He’ll try it again in warmup and we’ll see.”
But here’s the thing—Hintz knows his body. The Finnish forward has been around long enough to understand when he can push through and when he can’t.
“I have played that many years that I know when it’s good and when it’s not,” Hintz said. “I should be good to know that as it comes to that decision.”
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that Hintz will “probably give it a try in warm up and see how he feels.”
Stars Need Him Badly
Dallas desperately needs Hintz back. They’ve been outscored 9-1 over the last two games and lost two straight for the first time in these playoffs.
The Oilers have completely flipped the script after losing Game 1. Stuart Skinner’s playing lights-out hockey with three shutouts in recent weeks, while Jake Oettinger struggled mightily in Game 3.
Hintz has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 playoff games, tied for second on the Stars. His speed creates havoc for opposing defenses.
“He’s a huge part of our team,” center Wyatt Johnston said. “Would love to have him back out there with us as soon as possible.”
Game 4 goes Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET in Edmonton. The Stars need to find a way to steal one on the road, or they’ll face a daunting 3-1 series deficit.
With or without Hintz, Dallas has to be better than they’ve shown the last two games. But getting their speedy center back would certainly help their chances.
