Stars get some bad injury news before Game 1

The Dallas Stars continue their quest for the Stanley Cup this evening when they take on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

While the Stars are the odds of favorite to win the series, they'll have to open things up without the services of star forward Roope Hintz. The 27 year old Finn has been sidelined with an injury since Game 4 of the Stars' second round series against the Colorado Avalanche where he suffered an injury after taking a cross check from Avs forward Nathan MacKinnon. He has practiced with the team since, but hasn't returned to game action. He says he's "getting closer, hopeful for Game 2," when asked about his status moving forward.

With Hintz out of the lineup the Stars will likely keep their lineup in tact from Game 6 against the Avalanche, with Wyatt Johnston centering the top line between Jason Robertson and Logan Stankoven, while Matt Duchene centers the second line between Mason Marchment and Joe Pavelski.