Roope Hintz injury | Dallas Stars Outraged Following Controversial Incident

Stars Furious Over Lack of Penalty After Roope Hintz Injury: “Dangerous Retaliation Was Ignored”

The Dallas Stars were left outraged Friday night following a controversial incident that saw their top-line center, Roope Hintz, suffer a serious leg injury in the team’s 3-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Just under four minutes into the third period, Hintz delivered a cross-check to Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Although the move wasn’t penalized, Nurse retaliated by slashing Hintz in the leg—a blow that left the Finnish center writhing in pain on the ice.
Unable to put any pressure on his left leg, Hintz was helped off and did not return to the game.

Many in the Stars’ camp—and across the NHL community—believe Nurse’s actions warranted a major penalty, if not a suspension.

“The officials should have been more decisive. Nurse’s slash was a clear act of retaliation that led to a serious injury,” one observer noted. “Not penalizing him sends the wrong message—that dangerous retaliation is acceptable. This isn’t just about Hintz—it’s about player safety and the integrity of the game.”

Hintz’s absence is a major blow for the Stars, who rely on him heavily during the postseason. The lack of disciplinary action has sparked debate about officiating consistency and whether enough is being done to protect players from reckless behavior on the ice.

As of now, the NHL has not announced any supplementary discipline for Nurse.

Stars upset by lack of major penalty call after Roope Hintz injury, leaving major concerns.

The officials should have been more decisive, as Nurse’s slash was a clear act of retaliation that led to a significant injury.

Losing Hintz is a major blow for the Stars, especially during the playoffs when key players are crucial.

Nurse’s actions were unsportsmanlike, and not penalizing him sends the wrong message—that dangerous retaliation is acceptable.

Overall, this raises concerns not only about player safety but also about the consistency and accountability of officiating in critical games.

Hintz, the Stars’ top-line center, suffered a concerning leg injury in the 3-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night, leaving the game early after he was unable to put any pressure on his left leg.

Just under four minutes into the third period, Hintz cross-checked Oilers forward Darnell Nurse in the back, though it wasn’t a penalty, and Nurse retaliated by slashing Hintz in the leg.

The Stars center was left writhing on the ice in pain. His teammates and Stars staff had to help him off the ice and down the tunnel. He never returned.