Stars center Roope Hintz reveals latest update on his injury ahead of Game 3 vs Connor McDavid’s Oilers

Forward Roope Hintz, a key piece of the Dallas Stars‘ offense, missed Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers due to a lower-body injury. Just hours before the fourth chapter of the series, a recent update brings clarity about his potential return against Connor McDavid’s team.

McDavid has been a game-changing presence for the Oilers in the series, so the Stars will need their full arsenal to try to slow down Edmonton’s star, who has racked up 22 points in 14 playoff games, leading the league this postseason.

Hintz sustained the injury after being struck in the left leg by a stick from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. The Dallas forward had to be helped off the ice, and his status initially looked doubtful. However, there have been new developments regarding his availability.

Will Hintz play against the Oilers?

Hintz took part in an optional skate on Monday, May 26, boosting his chances of returning against the Oilers. “I’m feeling good. I’m trying to do everything that I can so that I’m able to play. Of course, you want to go every night, but sometimes you just can’t,” Hintz said, according to NHL.com.

Hintz’s availability for Game 4 will depend on how he feels during warmups before the matchup against the Oilers, which will take place at Rogers Place. In the hours following Game 2, the play that led to the injury sparked controversy, but Hintz declined to comment.

What did Pete DeBoer say about Hintz’s injury?

“Heal and get better, and we’ll cross our fingers. He’ll try it again in warmup and we’ll see,” DeBoer said about Hintz’s injury status ahead of Game 4 against the Oilers. The Stars center has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.