The Edmonton Oilers were predictably devastated upon learning Zach Hyman will likely miss the remainder of the playoffs after undergoing surgery, but Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley isn't quite as upset as his opponents.
"I'm happy he's not playing," Harley said, per Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press. "Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse."
Hyman was hurt on a hit from Mason Marchment in the first period of Edmonton's victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. Hyman has been a massive part of the Oilers' success this postseason, recording 11 points in 15 games along with a league-leading 111 hits.
Harley has regularly been tasked with shutting down the Oilers' top players throughout the series. The Stars own a 61.77% expected goals rate with Harley on the ice at five-on-five in Round 3, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night in Dallas. Edmonton can close out the series with a win.
