Oilers forward Zach Hyman exits Game 4 with injury as Edmonton key moves one win away from Cup Final.
The Edmonton Oilers surged to a commanding 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, but the victory was clouded by concern for a key player. Zach Hyman, one of the team’s most physical and reliable forwards, left the game early after absorbing a glancing hit in the first period.
The hit, delivered by Dallas winger Mason Marchment, sent Hyman off balance just as he exited Edmonton’s defensive zone. The 32-year-old immediately dropped his stick and clutched his right arm before heading straight to the dressing room. He did not return.
No Immediate Update from Team Officials
Head coach Kris Knoblauch offered no post-game update on Hyman’s condition but acknowledged the ripple effect his absence had on the bench.
“Everyone stepped up,” Knoblauch said. “We adjusted across the lineup, and I liked the way the group responded.”
Hyman’s minutes were redistributed, with Corey Perry and Trent Frederic stepping up alongside captain Connor McDavid during key stretches. The third period saw Leon Draisaitl double-shifted to preserve momentum and close out the win.
Hyman’s Impact Can’t Be Overstated
Hyman entered Game 4 as the NHL leader in playoff hits with 109, well ahead of the second-place contender. He also contributed five goals and six assists during this postseason run. His physical presence and tireless playstyle have been a cornerstone of Edmonton’s playoff identity.
“He’s a huge piece,” said goaltender Stuart Skinner. “He does everything right. He’s the guy everyone wants on their team.”
Hyman added two more hits before leaving Tuesday’s game, capping off a year in which he scored 27 goals and 44 points across 73 games in the regular season.
Oilers Adjust With Depth and Grit
Despite the loss of Hyman and a prior injury to Connor Brown in Game 3, the Oilers adapted well. The team delivered 50 hits on Tuesday night, doubling Dallas in physicality. Vasily Podkolzin led with eight hits, followed by Kasperi Kapanen’s seven.
Knoblauch praised the reunited line of Podkolzin, Janmark, and Arvidsson, who helped balance the lines and maintain Edmonton’s aggressive tempo.
Playoff Outlook: Game 5 and Beyond
With a 3-1 series lead, the Oilers are now just one win away from returning to the Stanley Cup Final. Still, Hyman’s health looms large over the team’s prospects. Edmonton may opt to dress 11 forwards and 7 defensemen for Game 5 if neither Hyman nor Brown is cleared to play.
“You don’t just replace Zach,” said Draisaitl, who recorded a goal and an assist in Game 4. “But we believe we can step up as a team.”
Veteran forward Corey Perry called Hyman “a dog on the bone,” underscoring his relentless pursuit of the puck and critical value to the lineup.
Stay connected to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on Zach Hyman’s status and the Oilers’ playoff journey.
