The Edmonton Oilers grabbed a crucial 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Final on Tuesday night, but it came at a cost.
Star forward Zach Hyman left the ice midway through the first period after taking a heavy shoulder hit from Dallas’ Mason Marchment. Hyman was carrying the puck out of his defensive zone when he collided with Marchment. He immediately dropped his stick and headed straight to the dressing room for medical attention.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t offer an update after the game, saying, “I’ll just wait until tomorrow and give you the update then,” pending a doctor’s assessment.
Hyman has been a standout in these playoffs, leading the league with 111 hits across 15 games. He’s also fifth in scoring for the Oilers, tallying five goals and six assists.
His absence was strongly felt, both on and off the ice.
“He’s a massive loss,” said Oilers goalkeeper Stuart Skinner. “Zach’s physicality is a big part of our game, and when he goes out, other guys have to dig deep. You saw players stepping up, throwing their weight around, doing the things he usually does. That kind of response is what we need.”
Skinner also praised Hyman’s presence in the locker room, calling him “a leader, a grinder, and just a great guy. Everyone loves him.”
The Oilers now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and are one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. Game 5 will be played in Dallas on Thursday night.
Teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins echoed Skinner’s sentiment.
“Zach’s a big part of our team culture,” he said. “His physical game and work ethic set the tone. We’re hoping for the best, but until we know more, it’s next man up. Everyone’s ready to step in and keep the momentum going.”
With Hyman’s status still unknown, all eyes will be on Thursday’s matchup as the Oilers look to seal the deal without one of their most influential players.
Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
