The Dallas Stars may be without a key forward for a crucial playoff game. Roope Hintz is listed as doubtful for Game 4 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury.
Hintz sustained the injury during the third period of Game 3 on Saturday. He was seen favoring his arm after a collision and did not return to the game. The team has not provided a specific diagnosis or timeline for his recovery.
His potential absence is a significant blow to the Stars' lineup. Hintz is a top-line center and a critical part of both the team's offense and penalty kill. In the first two games of the series, he recorded one goal and one assist.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Minnesota. The Stars currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. If Hintz cannot play, his role is likely to be filled by a combination of Wyatt Johnston moving up the lineup and Radek Faksa entering the lineup.
