Zach Hyman injury puts even more pressure on Oilers star Connor McDavid

The news heaps even more pressure on Oilers star forward Connor McDavid. With Hyman sidelined, Edmonton will need even more from the league's best player to snap its title drought.

Hyman is plus-five against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, which the Oilers lead 3-1 after Tuesday's 4-1 win.

Hyman, a nine-year NHL veteran, suffered his injury midway through the first period after taking a hit from Stars forward Mason Marchment.

When sharing Hyman's injury update, Knoblauch discussed his importance.

"He's our everything out there," Knoblauch said. "Last year, he scored about 70 goals and numerous important, big goals in the playoffs." (h/t NHL.com)

Hyman led the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs with 16 goals and has five this postseason. He scored twice — and added an assist — in Edmonton's 6-1 Game 3 romp. It's not just his offense, either. Per NHL.com, Hyman leads the league with 111 hits in 15 games this postseason.

Last season, the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games.

With the Panthers also a win away from returning to the championship round, Edmonton could be without a key contributor as it seeks retribution.

"He's a big part of our team on and off the ice," shift mate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said. "But guys are ready to step up. This is the time of year where everybody wants to step up and do things, and everybody is chomping at the bit to get out there."

Edmonton's Hyman-McDavid-Nugent-Hopkins line has arguably been its best against the Stars. In 23 minutes and 59 seconds time on ice through Games 1-3, the line had a 61.7 percent Corsi for rate and scored three goals.

It will take more than one player to make up for Hyman's absence, but the spotlight will naturally turn brighter for McDavid, the two-time Hart Award winner.

The only thing missing on his resume is a Stanley Cup win. 

McDavid leads NHL this postseason in assists (19) and points (24). He's also first in shots on goal (56), but his 8.9 percent shooting percentage is a significant decline from his career average (13.7 percent).

The Oilers are talented enough to withstand Hyman's injury, with forward Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard among the stars they'll lean on to avoid a repeat of last season's playoff heartbreak.

With Hyman's injury, it's even more important that McDavid play to his standard. Edmonton can't afford anything less.