Roope Hintz, the Dallas Stars' No. 1 center, was sidelined for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers due to a lower-body injury sustained during a prior game. The injury occurred when he was slashed by Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, forcing him to leave the rink and not return. In his absence, Oskar Back filled the position on the top line alongside Mikael Granlund and Mikko Rantanen.

Hintz has been a critical asset during the playoffs this year, contributing five goals and six assists in 15 games, and he had a strong regular season as well, tallying 67 points in 76 games. As the Stars aim to compete in the series, which is tied at 1-1, his absence could significantly impact their offensive strategy.