Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz left late in tonight’s game after taking a hard shot off his leg, and Head Coach Glen Gulatzan told Lia Assimakopoulos of Dallas News that there is no update at this time.
With just 1:31 remaining in regulation, in a two-goal deficit, teammate Miro Heiskanen unloaded on a one-timer. Hintz, in front of the crease, attempted to jump out of the way but it caught him in the ankle area. The 29-year-old went down immediately, and had to be helped off the ice, not putting weight on the leg. Minnesota was able to capitalize on the play, cashing in on the empty net and putting the game out of reach.
With Tyler Seguin and Lian Bichsel both on long-term injured reserve, Seguin with a torn ACL no less, Hintz’s injury is a major concern. Thankfully the team has gotten back Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene from their own injuries, but it has been a brutal stretch for Dallas health-wise, who rank second in the league, with serious Stanley Cup aspirations.
Hintz has 26 points in 27 games this season as a bona-fide 1C, and although the Stars boast a tremendously deep roster, his status will be watched urgently, with the hope that another long-term injury has been avoided. Dallas will not be in action again until Saturday, as they host the Panthers, so an update on the skilled center may not come until the weekend.
More to come…