Is Roope Hintz playing tonight against Avalanche? Peter DeBoer provides latest on Stars center's injury status

As the Dallas Stars prepare for a crucial Game 6 against the Colorado Avalanche, all eyes are on star center Roope Hintz and his availability. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun provided some insight into Hintz's situation on X.

"DeBoer says Roope Hintz remains out for tonight. Still day to say. Hopeful he’s available next game," LeBrun tweeted.

Another insider, Lia Assimakopoulos, confirmed Hintz's absence for Game 6 and provided more updates about the team.

"Roope Hintz is out today for Game 6, still day-to-day. No lineup changes. Pete DeBoer said he hopes Hintz will be back for next game or next series. Jani Hakanpää is skating and came on this road trip. He isn’t playing yet, though," Assimakopoulos tweeted.

Hintz, dealing with an upper-body injury, was sidelined for the past game, and fans were eager to know if he'll hit the ice on Friday.

Hintz's absence is notable, especially considering his recent contributions to the team. Despite a slight scoring drought, he has scored four assists in his last seven games, including contributions on the power play.

In Hintz's absence, veteran Matt Duchene is expected to step up and fill the void on the first line alongside Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski.

Dallas Stars lost 5-3 to Avalanche as Roope Hintz missed Game 5

In a crucial Game 5 clash, the Colorado Avalanche surged ahead against the Dallas Stars, securing a 5-3 win. Defenseman Cale Makar's two goals, including an unassisted game-winner, gave the Avalanche an edge. The Stars' win ended their three-game losing streak in the second-round Western Conference series.

Mittelstadt's goal early in the third period marked the first time Colorado had led in the series since the opening game. Makar's offense and contributions from Nathan MacKinnon and Alexandar Georgiev's solid goaltending factored in the Avalanche's resurgence.

“It was great,” MacKinnon said on the lead. “They didn’t do that much, but anytime we can get a lead it’s important so we’re not chasing all series.”

The Avalanche capitalized on power-play opportunities, scoring crucial goals to level the playing field against the Stars.

Despite Dallas' efforts, evident in goals from Joe Pavelski and Miro Heiskanen, the Avalanche's offensive onslaught proved decisive. Although the fear of playoff exit still looms in Game 6 for Colorado, they will aim for a win under coach Jared Bednar's leadership.