Stars forced to make significant lineup change ahead of Game 5

Hours prior to Game 5 of the second round series between the Stars and the visiting Colorado Avalanche, Dallas head coach has revealed that he is forced to make a significant change to his lineup.

DeBoer announced that forward Roope Hintz will be out of the lineup for Game 5 and is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Forward Radek Faksa will draw into the lineup for the injured Hintz. He has tallied one goal in four playoff contests thus far.

Hintz got injured during Game 4 after taking an awkward bump from Avalanche defenseman Sean Walker. Before he headed out to the dressing room, Hintz had logged eight shifts and 6:35 minutes of ice time. So far in the postseason, the forward has put up two goals and four assists for six points in 11 games. He is coming off his best season in the NHL, as he had 37 goals, 38 assists and 75 points in 73 games in 2022-23.

This is a significant blow to Dallas.

However, the team can rejoice in the fact that defenseman Chris Tanev will be in action tonight.

There were questions about his abilities to take part in Game 5 after Tanev left Monday’s 5-1 victory in the third period after taking a hit from Avalanche forward Ross Colton behind the Stars’ net. Tanev recorded one shot on 31 shifts with 21:02 of ice time in Game 4.

He will dress tonight and that’s one thing the Stars can be grateful for, despite Hintz’s absence.

The Stars lead the series 3-1 as the Avalanche is on the brink of elimination tonight in Dallas.

Recommended articles:

• Flames GM Craig Conroy is praying for Westen rival to win the Stanley Cup
• Peter DeBoer sets an unbelievable NHL record.
• Canada’s roster at the World Championship revealed with top stars making the cut!
• Bruce Cassidy makes bold statement on Pietrangelo hours before Game 6 following foolish penalty
• One fan banned from potential Game 7 in Dallas because of unacceptable behaviour!