Darnell Nurse will not face suspension after slashing Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz during Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Friday. The slash occurred early in the third period, striking Hintz near the top of his left skate. According to NHL insider Mark Spector, the league‘s Department of Player Safety has decided against further disciplinary action.
Roope Hintz was forced off the ice after the slash, unable to bear weight on his leg. Trainers assisted him, and he did not return to the remainder of the game. Officials reviewed the play for a potential major penalty but ultimately assessed only a two-minute minor. The Edmonton Oilers won the game 3-0, evening the series at one game apiece.
Impact of Hintz’s Absence Highlighted by Teammates
Roope Hintz has been a crucial offensive contributor for Dallas, recording 11 points in 15 playoff games this season. Fellow Stars forward Wyatt Johnston emphasized Hintz’s importance on both offense and defense.
“We need him in the lineup. He’s just an awesome player, so good on both ends of the ice,” Johnston said, via NHL.com. “So yeah, you don’t want to be without a guy like that.
Coaching Staff Awaiting Medical Results on Hintz’s Condition
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer provided an update on Hintz’s condition on Saturday, stating that the player was undergoing medical testing with no definitive diagnosis yet available.
“Just getting tests this morning,” DeBoer said, via NHL.com. “… We’re waiting on those test results.”
It remains uncertain whether Hintz will travel with the team to Edmonton for Game 3. DeBoer stressed the team’s readiness to adapt regardless of their lineup.
“We’ve dealt with that,” DeBoer said. “We wouldn’t be sitting here if we weren’t able to deal with that or prepared to deal with that.”
Anticipation for Game 3 and Team Responses to Injury Challenges
Should Hintz be sidelined, the Dallas Stars will need to rely on other players to fill the offensive gap. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with the Oilers expected to have Darnell Nurse available to play despite the recent incident.
DeBoer previously voiced frustration about the league‘s handling of similar on-ice incidents, referencing Oilers captain Connor McDavid as a comparison.
“I’ll answer your question with a question,” DeBoer said on Friday. “Does anyone in this room think if Connor McDavid gets carried off the ice like that, it’s not a five-minute major?”
As the series progresses, both teams recognize the importance of the upcoming game. The Oilers will look to leverage home advantage to take the series lead, while the Stars strive to recover and maintain competitive momentum with or without one of their key forwards.