Stars coach Pete DeBoer has bizarre update on Roope Hintz injury

Nurse delivered a hard slash to Hintz's foot in the crease during Game 2, sending the Stars forward to the ice who's yet to return - except for warmup.

Hintz took warmup for the Stars in Game 3 after he was initially listed as questionable to travel to Edmonton. It was bizarre to see his condition go from so far away he couldn't travel, to being on the ice for warmup and clearly skating around.

After Game 3, Stars coach Pete DeBoer said Hintz was not even close to playing despite appearing in the warmup.

However, speaking to the media today, DeBoer said that Hintz still could be an option for Game 4.

It's strange to see the Stars simultaneously communicate that Hintz is miles away from playing, and also could be an option for Game 4 - but that's just the nature of NHL playoffs.

Hintz could possibly return to the lineup, but he may be playing through the discomfort of a serious injury. Online Sports Doctor Harjas Grewal believes a bone break is possible for Hintz, but he still could play through the injury because of slates' stability. The only question is managing pain and reduced ability.

Hintz being listed as a game-time decision for the rest of the series seems relatively likely at this point. Hopefully he is able to make a quick recovery, and get back into the lineup for a full tilt battle.