NHL Decides against further discipline for Darnell Nurse after Game 2 slash on Roope Hintz

A heated exchange between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final has been the subject of hot debate. Never mind that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse returned a slash from Stars forward Roope Hintz , who left the game during the third period.

Darnell Nurse’s slash came after a cross-check from Roope Hintz

The altercation occurred in front of the Oilers' goal, where Darnell Nurse slashed Roope Hintz mere seconds after being cross-checked by him.


Moments like these are fairly ordinary for playoff hockey though, emotional fights in the crease are par for the course. What set this one apart, though, was what followed. Roope Hintz was shaken up and left the game with what seemed to be a more severe injury.

Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse to face no discipline after slash of Stars’ Roope Hintz https://t.co/qeWTIKwhY5

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) May 25, 2025

Though pain was evident for Roope Hintz, Darnell Nurse was only given a two-minute minor penalty on the play for slashing.


The on-ice call didn't sit very well with Stars head coach Peter DeBoer , who no doubt wanted stricter punishment either in-game or post-game.


Also Read:? “Regroup, Refocus, Re-Energize”: Dallas Stars Endure Hardship Following Game 2 Shutout Loss To Edmonton Oilers And Injury To Roope Hintz

No further action from NHL Department of Player Safety

As per Oilers insider Mark Spector, the NHL has seen the play and declined to act further on Darnell Nurse. He will not get a suspension, fine, or even a hearing with the league's Department of Player Safety.


That call will probably irk Dallas fans in particular, considering Roope Hintz’s injury status. But in the eyes of the league, this was a standard playoff net-front fight that didn't reach the level of deserving suspension. The NHL feels that the referees got it right in calling only a minor penalty.


This isn't new for physical playoff hockey to fuel controversy over what should or shouldn't result in discipline, and it won't be the final time either. At least for now, the league is taking this incident as part of the gritty, hard-nosed nature of playoff hockey, not something that warrants additional punishment.


Game 3 looms on the horizon, and with tempers already on the boil, the spotlight will be on Darnell Nurse, Roope Hintz (if he comes back), and how both sides manage the growing tension.