The Dallas Stars need all the help they can get in the Western Conference Final, and one of their top players wants provide it — if he can get healthy enough.
Star centre Roope Hintz is hoping to suit up for his side in Game 4 and will try to take the ice for warmups to see if he’s ready to return, he told reporters on Monday after taking part in the team’s optional practice.
Hintz is expected to be a game-time decision for Tuesday.
He was injured in the Stars’ Game 2 loss to the Oilers following a slash from Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse. Nurse received a two-minute minor penalty but no supplemental discipline on the play.
After Game 3 on Sunday, Stars head coach Peter DeBoer told reporters that the forward “wasn’t close” despite taking the ice for warmups.
Oscar Bäck slotted into the lineup at centre.
Hintz has five goals and six assists in 14 playoff games this post-season.
Dallas is currently down 2-1 in the Western Conference Final after a 6-1 loss on Sunday.
The series continues in Edmonton with Game 4 scheduled for Tuesday night. Coverage begins on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT.
