NHL Playoffs: Stars Coach Rages Over Nurse’s Minor Penalty for Hintz’s Injury

DALLAS, TX — Roope Hintz, the Dallas Stars‘ top center, was seen being helped down the hallway to the locker room, putting no weight on his left foot, after suffering an injury during Game 2 of the Western Conference final on Friday night. The incident has angered the Stars, especially since Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers received only a two-minute penalty for the slash that caused it.

“Does anyone in this room think if Connor McDavid gets carried off the ice like that, it’s not a five-minute major?” Stars coach Pete DeBoer asked rhetorically.

Stars captain Jamie Benn expressed similar frustration, saying, “If that was McDavid walking down the tunnel, I would like to see the result of that.” Hintz’s status for Game 3 on Sunday remains uncertain as the team awaits test results, according to DeBoer.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch defended the officiating on Saturday, stating, “To say that Connor McDavid gets preferential treatment is … I haven’t seen Connor get that special treatment.” He pointed out that McDavid has drawn five power plays this playoff season, the same number as several Dallas players.

The conversation took a turn when DeBoer stood by his comments from the previous night, emphasizing, “I see exactly what I saw last night and I stand by exactly what I said last night.”

According to Rule 61.3, if an injury occurs due to slashing, a major penalty must be imposed. However, referees Jean Hebert and Garrett Rank deemed the penalty minor after reviewing the incident.

Mason Marchment of the Stars claimed the team will not forget the slash, saying, “A lot of that stuff, you just keep in the back of your mind, and if the opportunity presents itself, then, you know, you take your chance.”

The Oilers are also monitoring the status of defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury that has prevented him from featuring in the playoffs thus far. His possible return might impact Troy Stecher‘s spot in the lineup.

Stecher, who was brought on before the 2024 trade deadline, has faced his own struggles this season due to injuries but remains motivated. He expressed, “This year, I’m super motivated to do whatever is asked of me to help this team and ultimately reach our final goal.”

The Oilers are currently boasting a 3-1 record with Stecher in the lineup, where he has contributed positively to the team effort. “He does everything that he possibly can to help out our team,” goalie Stuart Skinner praised.

The upcoming Game 3, set to start shortly after 1 p.m. (MT) on Sunday, marks an important moment for both the Stars and the Oilers as they navigate crucial playoff dynamics amidst uncertainty surrounding key players like Hintz and Ekholm.