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Stars Coach Uses Connor McDavid in NHL Callout Over Controversial Play

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 24, 2025 6:53 AM ET

The Dallas Stars were left frustrated following a 3-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final, not only because the series is now tied 1-1, but also due to an incident involving Roope Hintz and Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Hintz left the game early in the third period after Nurse slashed him on top of the left foot in front of the Oilers’ net. The play was reviewed for a potential major, but officials ultimately gave Nurse a two-minute minor for slashing.

Hintz, who had logged just over 12 minutes of ice time, registering three shots, was unable to put any weight on his left leg and was helped to the locker room.

"Does anyone in this room think if Connor McDavid gets carried off the ice like that, it's not a five-minute major?"

Peter DeBoer on Darnell Nurse receiving a minor penalty for slashing Roope Hintz. pic.twitter.com/TDwx33Zm4u
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 24, 2025

Stars head coach Peter DeBoer voiced his displeasure postgame with an interseting answer to a question on that play.

"I'll answer your question with a question. Does anyone in this room think if Connor McDavid gets carried off the ice like that, that it's not a five-minute major?" DeBoer said. "That's my answer."

Jamie Benn on Darnell Nurse's slash that injured Roope Hintz and only garnered a minor penalty: "We didn't like it. If that was McDavid walking down the tunnel, I would like to see the result of that."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) May 24, 2025

Dallas captain Jamie Benn shared a similar sentiment while also dragging McDavid into the conversation, per The Athletic's Mark Lazerus.

"We didn’t like it," Benn said. "If that was McDavid walking down the tunnel, I would like to see the result of that."

Hintz entered the game with five goals and six assists for 11 total points in 14 playoff appearances and has played a central role in the Stars' postseason offense.

DeBoer did not provide any further update on Hintz's status after Game 2.

The game itself marked a major turnaround for Edmonton, which rebounded from a 6-3 collapse in Game 1 by holding Dallas scoreless.

Game 3 will be played Sunday in Edmonton with puck drop set at 3 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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