Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers due to an upper-body injury. Hintz hasn’t played since Game 4 of the second-round series, but the team is optimistic he will return soon.
During his press conference Thursday, Stars coach Peter DeBoer announced Hintz will be out for Game 1 and is still considered day-to-day. However, Hintz has been making progress, and Game 2 is a possibility for the Stars’ No. 1 center.
“Roope is out tonight, but I would still determine him day-to-day,” DeBoer said. “He’s getting closer. He skated yesterday. He’s skating today. We’re hopeful for Game 2.”
Even without Hintz, the Stars were able to win Game 6 against the Avalanche and advance to the conference finals. Wyatt Johnston slid up to take Hintz’s spot on the top line, and Matt Duchene scored the series-clinching goal in double overtime.
Getting Hintz back at some point in this series would be huge for the Stars because he makes an already deep forward group even stronger. In 11 playoff games this year, Hintz has notched two goals and four assists.
In the regular season, Hintz was one of the Stars most productive players, tallying 30 goals and 35 assists in 80 games.
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz will be sidelined for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers due to an injury. The 23-year-old Finnish forward suffered the injury during the Stars’ previous series against the Colorado Avalanche.
Hintz has been a key player for the Stars throughout the playoffs, recording 13 points in 16 games. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they look to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
According to Stars head coach Rick Bowness, Hintz’s recovery timeline is still uncertain at this time. The team is taking a cautious approach to his injury to ensure that he is fully healthy before returning to the lineup.
In Hintz’s absence, the Stars will need other players to step up and fill the void left by the talented center. Players like Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin, and Jamie Benn will need to elevate their games to make up for Hintz’s absence.
Despite the setback, the Stars remain confident in their ability to compete against the Oilers in the Western Conference Final. They have shown resilience and determination throughout the playoffs and will look to continue their winning ways without Hintz in the lineup.
As fans eagerly await Hintz’s return, they can take solace in knowing that the young center is receiving the best possible care and treatment to ensure a speedy recovery. In the meantime, the Stars will continue to battle on without one of their key players as they look to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
