Stars’ Roope Hintz back to skating, but doubtful for Game 5 against Wild

It looks like the Dallas Stars are going to miss one of their top offensive weapons for a little bit longer.

When speaking to the media on Wednesday, head coach Glen Gulutzan revealed that forward Roope Hintz will not be joining the team on the road, as the Stars are gearing up for Game 4 of the Central Division Semifinals against the Minnesota Wild. Gulutzan also mentioned that, while Hintz is back skating, it’s doubtful that he’ll be up to speed in time for Game 5, when the series returns to Dallas.

Hintz has been on the shelf since he suffered a lower-body injury. Hintz has been out of action since suffering the injury on March 6, when he was hurt after getting tangled up with Colorado Avalanche star forward Nathan MacKinnon. Gulutzan made it clear that the Finnish center wouldn’t be ready for the first two games of the series against the Wild, but now the possibility of playing in the opening round is beginning to seem less and less likely.

Hintz has missed the team’s past 23 games, including the final 20 games of the regular season. Dallas did just fine in his absence, going 12-6-2 down the stretch, and has fought back from a Game 1 loss against Minnesota to take a 2-1 lead in the series, thanks to Wyatt Johnston’s game-winning goal in double overtime on Wednesday night. The offense has held its own in the series, though the Wild have outscored the Stars 11-9 in the first three games, in part due to a 6-1 thrashing in the series opener last Saturday. Dallas’ power play was crucial in winning Game 3, going 3-for-8, with Johnston’s OT winner coming on the man advantage.

In 53 games during the regular season, Hintz has scored 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points, still good for sixth on the team in scoring.

Game 4 between Dallas and Minnesota is scheduled for Saturday evening, with puck drop set for a little after 5:30 p.m. ET.