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Thomas Harley Expresses His Joy With Eye-Popping Comments as Zach Hyman is Sidelined
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Stars' Thomas Harley did not hold back his feelings of joy, as he shockingly said the Oilers are worse now that Zach Hyman is sidelined with an injury.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley was glad Thursday that he wouldn't have to face Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman again in the playoffs.

'I'm happy he's not playing,' said Harley. 'Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse.'

Hyman will be out for the rest of the playoffs after an upper-body injury he sustained during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. Hyman was injured on Tuesday when Stars forward Mason Marchment delivered a hit in the first period of play.

Hyman lost his stick and had to be removed from the game, with his right arm being favored.

The Oilers lead the series 3-1 entering Game 5 in Dallas. Hyman has been crucial, scoring two goals and adding one assist in Game 3's 6-1 Edmonton win. He has 11 points and five goals in 15 playoff games this year.

During the regular season, the 32-year-old gathered 27 goals and 44 points in 73 contests.

Jeff Skinner and Mattias Ekholm appear to be in tonight

With Hyman sidelined, Jeff Skinner is expected to return to the lineup for the first time since April 21, when he faced the Los Angeles Kings. Skinner recorded an assist and was minus-2 that game. He recorded 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games last year.

Skinner skated with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic during Thursday morning's skate. Mattias Ekholm was also seen skating during practice on the first defensive pairing with Evan Bouchard.

With a win in Game 5, Edmonton will earn its ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row to face the Florida Panthers in last year's rematch.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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