Roope Hintz injury: HC Pete DeBoer provides latest on Stars center's status for remaining series

Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer offered a positive update on forward Roope Hintz's status. He said that Hintz is traveling with the team to Edmonton ahead of Game 3 of their playoff series with the Edmonton Oilers.

Roope Hintz was sidelined for four games with an upper-body injury and is expected to return to the lineup soon. DeBoer said that had the last game been a Game 7, Hintz would have likely played as he suggested that his recovery is progressing well.

"Pete DeBoer said Dallas forward Roope Hintz is traveling with the team to Edmonton today. Would expect him to play in one of these two games. Said had last night’s game been a Game 7, he’d likely have been in the lineup," Taylor Baird tweeted.

Despite his absence, Roope Hintz has been diligently working towards his return. He has been skating on his own and participated in an optional morning skate with teammates on Saturday.

It suggests that he's likely getting closer to being game-ready, which is good news for the Stars as they continue their Western Conference Final series.

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How well did Dallas Stars perform without Roope Hintz?

In Hintz's absence, Mason Marchment and the rest of Dallas Stars have had to step up their game.

Even though it was only the second game of the series, they approached it with a Game 7 mentality This determination was evident in their performance on Saturday night, as they secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Edmonton Oilers to even the series.

Jake Oettinger, the Stars goaltender, played a key role in the win. He faced a barrage of shots from the Oilers in the first period but stood tall, keeping his team in the game. Stars captain Jamie Benn set the tone early by scoring on their first shot before Mason Marchment scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Marchment expressed the importance of moving forward:

“There’s not many better feelings than scoring in a playoff game, We’ll take that one and forget about it and move on to the next one.”

Goalie Jake Oettinger made 28 saves, which was crucial in Dallas' victory. He acknowledged the collective effort:

“It’s not just me that’s responded. It’s the group in front of me and the guys and the leadership from the top down that kind of starts that.”

Coach Pete DeBoer praised Benn’s leadership:

“He’s led the way all year, particularly in the playoffs. He’s been a beast out there every series.”

The Stars are looking forward to Game three in Edmonton. DeBoer noted Benn’s impact throughout the playoffs and the need for the team to keep improving.