The series between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers is tied 1-1, shaping up to be an intense rivalry in the 2025 NHL Western Conference Final. After Game 2, star Mikko Rantanen could lose a key teammate for the rest of the series against Connor McDavid’s team.
After an initial 6-3 win by Dallas, Edmonton responded with a strong performance in Game 2, winning 3-0 thanks to a standout effort from goaltender Stuart Skinner, who recorded his third shutout of the playoffs. The series now shifts to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4, and the Stars want all their weapons available by then.
Since arriving from the Carolina Hurricanes, Rantanen has proven to be a valuable addition, bringing experience and offensive skills that have bolstered the Dallas lineup. Following a controversial play in Game 2, the forward might lose a fellow linemate.
Which player might miss the rest of the series against the Oilers?
Rantanen’s teammate who might miss the matchup against McDavid’s Oilers is none other than Roope Hintz, who sustained a lower-body injury during Game 2 and is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis. “Honestly, I won’t know until we get the results,” head coach Pete DeBoer said when asked if Hintz would be back.
Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars reacts after being hit against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in Game Two of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Stars’ center had to leave the ice in the third period of Friday’s second game after taking a cut to the top of his left foot from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. While there is speculation he could return soon, his status remains uncertain in the tied series.
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Connor McDavid zeroes in on Mikko Rantanen with blunt warning to teammates on the eve of Stars-Oilers matchup in playoffs
Rantanen to lead the Stars against the Oilers
The potential absence of Hintz—a key offensive weapon for Dallas—puts additional pressure on Rantanen to lead the team in the coming games. The former Canes forward leads the Stars with 20 points in 15 games, including nine goals.
