Dallas Stars release update on Roope Hintz injury before Game 3
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Roope Hintz arrives in Edmonton, status unclear for Game 3
According to reports from Elliotte Friedman today, Hintz did make the trip with the team, but there's been no further update on his status for the game.
Dallas reporters suggested that the holdup on Hintz's travel availability was waiting on medical testing. If he's been cleared to travel, it's a lot more likely he could play.
Hintz took a hard slash to the foot from Oilers defenceman
Darnell Nurse in Game 2, which sent him down to the ice writhing in pain. It was a hard slash, but
NHL Player Safety decided not to issue any supplemental discipline.
Hintz likely to play through injury in Game 3 vs Oilers
In the playoffs, it's not unusual for a player to play through significant pain to compete for the Cup. Hintz is probably still feeling the effects of the slash hard, but may still get into the lineup today.
Alternatively, there could've been some playoff kind games going on. Perhaps the Stars were playing up his injury to create different lineup scenarios for the Oilers, or to advocate Player Safety for discipline.
Hintz a key offensive player for their team with 11 points in 15 games, and losing him would be a major blow. Even if he's below 100%, that will seriously affect the Stars.
Hopefully he can return to the lineup for Game 3, and these two teams can battle it out at full strength in a critical game.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
MAI 25 | 1502 ANSWERS Dallas Stars release update on Roope Hintz injury before Game 3 Do you think Hintz is playing through an injury, or the Stars were just playing it up? |
Playing through injury | 385 | 25.6 % |
Playing it up | 1117 | 74.4 % |
List of polls |