As the Dallas Stars prepare for a critical showdown in Edmonton, the spotlight has shifted dramatically to the uncertain status of their key center, Roope Hintz. The Western Conference Final has already delivered its share of drama and physicality, but nothing has captured the attention of fans and analysts quite like Hintz’s injury late in Game 2.

With the series now tied and the Stars facing mounting pressure, every update on Hintz’s condition feels pivotal for Dallas’ Stanley Cup aspirations. The tension is palpable as supporters anxiously await news, knowing that even a less-than-healthy Hintz could make a significant difference on the ice. As both teams gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested Game 3, the fate of a star player hangs in the balance, setting the stage for an emotional and high-stakes battle in Edmonton.

May 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) reacts after being injured against the Edmonton Oilers in the third period for game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars face a must-win game on Sunday night in Edmonton, and now, we know more about the status of veteran forward Roope Hintz.

Game 2 between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers got highly physical, with the biggest moment of the game coming when veteran Darnell Nurse slashed Roope Hintz to the leg intentionally, causing him to leave the game.

Unsurprisingly, Stars fans were furious that Nurse didn’t hear from the Department of Player Safety, as Hintz reportedly left the game in a walking boot, and if he can’t be at 100% for the remainder of this series, it could be a brutal blow for Dallas’ Stanley Cup hopes.

Now, Dr. Harjas Grewal has given an update on the potential injury to Hintz, who notes that the worse case scenario is a broken bone in the foot, but reveals some positive news for Hintz and the Stars.

According to Grewal, even with a broken bone in the foot, a player can still skate and play at a high level, but will need the swelling to go down first to comfortably get the skate over the effected area, meaning that he could be at risk of missing Game 3 if that has not yet happened.

Even at 70%, having Hintz in the lineup is much better than not having him on the ice at this time of year, and after the Oilers tied the series at 1-1 in Dallas, the Stars will need to get at least one back in Game 3 or 4 in Edmonton.

Ultimately, we’ll know more about Hintz’ status closer to puck drop for Game 3 in Edmonton, and right now, Stars fans are collectively holding their breath as they wait to hear about the status of their star forward for a pivotal Game 3.