The Dallas Stars enter Game 6 trailing the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in their first-round series after a 4-2 loss on home ice on Tuesday, leaving them on the verge of elimination.
One problem Dallas has had all series long is overrelying on a strong power-play unit that has produced nine goals, contrary to a paltry 5-on-5 production of just three goals.
Injuries to some of the best Stars' players, mostly that of second-line center Roope Hintz, have contributed to the offensive drop-off. Hintz finished the regular season with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 53 games, posting the third-best plus/minus among his teammates at 16.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The center has missed all postseason games to date with a lower-body injury suffered at the end of the regular season. Hintz has not played since March 6, when he fell injured following a collision with Nathan MacKinnon, and has yet to participate in a full team skate.
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed on Tuesday that Hintz will not be available for Game 6. Gulutzan didn't even commit to his return in time for Game 7, assuming the Stars extend the series.
“There’s a chance (Hintz returns for Game 7),” Gulutzan said. “Would I bet on it? No.”
Added Gulutzan after the Game 5 loss: “Everyone needs to step up in these kinds of moments, your top guys and, you know, your bottom guys. So it’s a team effort to get it done.”
Game 6 is set to take place in Minnesota on Thursday, with puck-drop at 7:30 p.m. ET. If the Stars force Game 7, it will take place back in Dallas on Saturday.
