Dallas Stars Playoff Update
In a critical update for the Dallas Stars, head coach Glen Gulutzan announced on Wednesday that Roope Hintz, the team’s leading center, will not be available for the opening stages of the playoffs due to complications stemming from a lower-body injury. Initially, there were hopes that Hintz might rejoin the lineup as the postseason began, but those expectations have shifted.
“It doesn’t look that way now,”
Gulutzan commented, reflecting the disappointment as the Stars wrapped up their regular season against the Buffalo Sabres.
Hintz has been sidelined since a March 6 shootout encounter with Colorado, where he sustained his injury during a narrow 5-4 loss. Despite this setback, the Stars, who finished as the No. 2 seed in the Central Division, are looking ahead to their playoff series opener against the Minnesota Wild, seeded third.
Injury Updates
In more promising news for the Stars, Gulutzan expressed optimism about the return of standout defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen has missed the last two games due to a lower-body injury acquired in a 5-4 victory over Minnesota on April 9.
“He’s getting better, but it’s day-to-day right now,”
said Gulutzan, emphasizing the importance of Heiskanen’s presence on the team.
Furthermore, the coach confirmed that center Sam Steel is set to make his comeback in the game against Buffalo. This marks Steel’s first appearance in nearly a month, following a nine-game absence with an undisclosed injury. His return comes promptly after another key player, Radek Faksa, returned from a lengthy 24-game recovery from various injuries, enhancing the Stars’ depth as they prepare for their playoff run.
