The Dallas Stars will be without their leading scorer, Roope Hintz, for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers due to an upper-body injury. Hintz was injured in Game 4 of the Stars’ second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche after receiving a cross-check and then blocking a shot. He has missed the last two games as a result of the injury.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer said Thursday morning that Hintz is doubtful to play in Game 1 but could potentially return for Game 2 on Saturday. DeBoer added that Hintz skated ahead of Wednesday’s practice, which is a positive sign. Jake Oettinger will start in goal for Dallas in Game 1 after leaving Wednesday’s skate with an illness.
On the Edmonton side, coach Kris Knoblauch said his team will go with the same lineup that beat the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7, which means veteran forward Corey Perry will once again be a healthy scratch. The Oilers are returning to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006, and they will be looking to make a deep run this year.
