“I liked a lot of parts of our game, and we’ve got to build on that and hopefully get Roope Hintz back and get back in the series,” Peter DeBoer reflected, rather optimistically despite facing a brutal 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Conference Finals. As for Roope Hintz, he revealed that he was a game-time decision on Sunday. The center had laced up for a warm-up session but left the ice early and, of course, did not play.

Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse slashed Hintz at 3:46 of the third period of Game 2, forcing the center to take assistance to get off the ice. The Oilers, who were down 1-0 in the series, won the game 3-0 to level things before they took the lead at Rogers Place. And now, with pressure mounting, the Stars would definitely want their star center back on the ice for the all-important Game 4. Thankfully for them, Hintz looked much better on Monday.

Jeff Kolb on X shared a promising update that is sure to lift the spirits of the Stars’ faithful. The NHL insider posted a training clip showcasing Hintz appearing to participate quite actively during the morning skate, showing no visible signs of discomfort. “I would say Roope Hintz looks pretty healthy,” the post read.

To say that he shared a focused and determined mindset while working towards a possible return would be an understatement. Because Roope Hintz made his priorities clear. “The biggest thing right now for me is to just worry about what I can do that I can be able to play tomorrow. You want to play every game, especially in the playoffs. Every game’s so important. Sometimes sports are what they are. I’m now trying everything that I can so tomorrow I am able to play,” the Stars’ center said after the Monday morning session.

After all, Hintz has the potential to reignite the team that has recently lost its edge. In terms of points scored for the Dallas Stars this postseason, he is only second to Mikko Rantanen with 11 points (5 goals and 6 assists). What’s more? He also has a plus-minus rating of 1—the highest amongst Dallas skaters. Needless to say, his return would be a huge boost for the Stars in Game 4, but does the coach think he’ll be able to make it?

DeBoer on whether Roope Hintz will be back in time for Game 4

DeBoer has adopted a wait-and-see approach this time. While the Stars are not rushing their centre back, they are truly hopeful that his recovery will lead him to join the group soon. Deboer said after the morning skate on Monday, “Heal and get better and cross our fingers and try it again in warmups.” 

With Dallas down 1-2 in the series, Hintz’s return to the ice for Game 4 feels mandatory. And although the Stars will have a morning skate session on Tuesday to allow Hintz to take the ice once before warmups, chances are he will be a game-time decision again.

Given his experience and playmaking abilities, he could provide the lift Dallas desperately needs to reset their rhythm and challenge the Oilers’ dominance in the series. Hence, when he said, “I have played that many years that I know when it’s good and when it’s not. I should be good to know that,” it carried the hope of a return that doesn’t seem far off. What do you think?