Dallas Faces Edmonton in Crucial Game 4 of Western Conference Finals

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Dallas Stars will look to tie their series with the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place. After winning Game 1, the Stars have dropped two consecutive games and sit 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Forward Roope Hintz remains a game-time decision for the Stars. He was injured in Game 2 after a slash to the leg from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Hintz participated in warmups before Game 3 but was ultimately sidelined. He took to the ice for an optional practice on Monday and reported feeling good.

This injury is significant for Dallas, as Hintz is their second-leading scorer this postseason with 11 goals and 15 points through 15 games. When discussing his injury, Hintz stated, “Of course you want to go every night, but sometimes you just can’t.” Coach Pete DeBoer characterized Hintz’s status as day-to-day.

Hintz’s absence was felt in Game 3 when the Oilers dominated the Stars, leading to a 6-1 defeat. Stars’ goalie Jake Oettinger has been consistent throughout the playoffs, but he faced 34 shots in that game, allowing six goals.

Meanwhile, the Oilers will also see a lineup change in Game 4. Forward Viktor Arvidsson will replace Connor Brown, who is injured after a hit in Game 3. Goalie Stuart Skinner, who has been impressive in the playoffs with a 1.18 goals-against average, is expected to start.

Dallas center Tyler Seguin commented on the need for a turnaround: “It’s kind of funny. Probably our worst game of the series is the one we won. I think the last two have been pretty solid. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to get results.”

The Stars have struggled on the road, going 2-5 and failing to score the first goal in any of their playoff road games thus far. In contrast, the Oilers have capitalized on their home-ice advantage.

As the Stars prepare for Game 4, they understand the importance of scoring first and controlling the game early. “We’re behind in every game pushing for offense, and if you’re a couple feet out of position, you get in trouble,” DeBoer noted.

Puck drop for Game 4 is set for 8 p.m. ET. The outcome could shift the momentum of the series significantly.