Now, as the series heads to Edmonton, it does so with uncertainty and animosity. As unknown as Hintz’s status may be, DeBoer remained certain about one thing — that if Oilers center Connor McDavid were the player injured, the officials would have responded differently.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left the ice without putting any weight on his left leg after Edmonton defender Darnell Nurse slashed him on top of his left skate in the third period in Game 2 on Friday night.