“This is dirty”: Fans furious at the Edmonton Oilers after Roope Hintz gets slashed again in Oilers-Stars

In the high-stakes world of NHL hockey, moments of controversy often ignite passionate debates among fans, analysts, and players alike. Recently, during a pivotal game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars, a series of aggressive plays involving Roope Hintz, the talented Stars forward, have sparked intense outrage among Oilers supporters. Repeated slashings on Hintz, which many fans and commentators are calling “dirty,” have led to widespread fury, with chants of “This is dirty” resonating through social media and arenas. This article delves into the incident, exploring the gameplay context, officiating, fan reactions, and broader implications for NHL discipline and sportsmanship.

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### Setting the Scene: Oilers vs. Stars — A Crucial Matchup

The game in question took place on March 10, 2025, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, a venue known for its passionate 12th Man supporters and electric atmosphere. Both teams entered the matchup with postseason aspirations: the Oilers aiming to solidify their playoff spot after a turbulent season, and the Stars seeking to climb the standings with a roster built around star players like Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Miro Heiskanen.

This game was billed as a playoff-like showdown, with physicality and intensity running high from the opening puck drop. Fans expected a hard-fought contest, but what transpired on the ice went beyond the bounds of sportsmanship, sparking outrage across the hockey community.

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### The Incidents: Repeated Slashings on Roope Hintz

The controversy centers around multiple instances where Roope Hintz was the target of aggressive slash attempts from Oilers players, particularly during critical moments in the game’s third period. Fans and commentators identified at least three separate incidents, each involving a slash to Hintz’s hands or stick area, which appeared to be deliberate, aggressive, and potentially dangerous.

**First Incident:**
At 12:45 remaining in the third period, Hintz was skating along the boards when Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie reached out with his stick and delivered a swift slash to Hintz’s gloves. The slash was forceful, causing Hintz to momentarily lose his balance. Fans immediately reacted, with many in the arena booing loudly and chanting “This is dirty!”

**Second Incident:**
Just five minutes later, with Hintz carrying the puck into the Oilers zone, forward Leon Draisaitl extended his stick and slashed Hintz’s hands on the follow-through, knocking the puck loose. This time, the slash appeared even more deliberate, with Draisaitl glancing at Hintz’s gloves before swinging his stick.

**Third Incident:**
In the final minutes, with tension mounting, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse was seen swinging his stick aggressively toward Hintz’s midsection after a whistle, connecting with a slash that drew a whistle and a penalty. Many fans viewed this as the culmination of a series of targeted plays against Hintz.

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### Fan Reactions: “This is dirty!”

The phrase “This is dirty” quickly became a rallying cry among Oilers fans who viewed these slashings as intentional attempts to intimidate or injure Roope Hintz. Social media platforms, especially Twitter and Reddit, exploded with outrage, memes, and calls for discipline.

**Twitter Reactions:**
– “That slash on Hintz was totally dirty. No place for that in hockey.”
– “Refs better call this out or fans will lose faith in the game.”
– “The Oilers are being targeted, and it’s disgusting. #JusticeForHintz”

**Reddit Hockey Forums:**
Subreddits dedicated to NHL or Oilers discussions featured heated debates, with many users calling for harsher penalties, suspensions, or at least a strong message from officiating crews. Some fans expressed concern that the repeated slashings could lead to injury, especially to a skilled player like Hintz, who is known for his offensive prowess and physical resilience.

**In-Arena Cheers:**
While the officials were reviewing the plays, fans chanted “This is dirty! This is dirty!” in unison, creating an intense atmosphere of frustration and anger. Conspiracy theories about bias or favoritism toward the Stars circulated among some supporters, fueling the narrative of injustice.

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### The NHL Officiating and Discipline: Analyzing the Calls

The series of slashings raised questions about officiating standards and consistency. The referees issued only minor penalties—two minor penalties and one misconduct—despite the apparent severity and intent behind the plays.

**Were the penalties sufficient?**
Many fans and analysts argued no. They believed the officials missed opportunities to send a stronger message through match penalties or suspensions, especially considering the repeated nature of the infractions.

**NHL Discipline Policy:**
The league’s disciplinary guidelines state that intentional, dangerous, or excessive slashing should result in game misconducts or suspensions, particularly when targeting a player’s hands or stick area. The fact that multiple slashings occurred within minutes, with apparent intent to harm or intimidate, led many to call for harsher action.

**Post-Game Statements:**
Following the game, NHL officials issued a brief statement:
*”The league reviews all plays and will assess if supplemental discipline is warranted. We prioritize player safety and will take appropriate action if necessary.”*

However, fans viewed this as insufficient, especially given the repeated infractions. Calls for suspensions or fines for Tyson Barrie, Leon Draisaitl, and Darnell Nurse grew louder, with some arguing that the league’s disciplinary system failed to protect players from targeted, dirty play.

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### Broader Implications: Sportsmanship, Aggression, and League Standards

This incident has reignited debates about hockey’s physical nature and the boundaries of aggression. Critics argue that:

– **Dirty Play Is Rampant:**
Some believe that certain players or teams resort to dirty tactics to gain an edge, especially in high-stakes games.

– **Officiating Is Inconsistent:**
Fans cite inconsistent officiating as a problem, with some infractions missed or under-penalized, leading to frustration and perceptions of bias.

– **Player Safety Is at Risk:**
Repeated slashings to the hands or stick area can cause injuries, reduce player confidence, and create an unsafe environment. The league’s responsibility to enforce rules and protect players is under scrutiny.

– **Sportsmanship and Respect:**
While hockey is inherently physical, many fans and players advocate for respect and sportsmanship, condemning acts perceived as “dirty” or intended to injure.

**League Initiatives:**
The NHL has been working on stricter enforcement policies, including increased surveillance, harsher penalties for dangerous play, and player education programs. This incident, however, highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing competitiveness with safety.

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### The Player’s Perspective: Roope Hintz and His Response

Roope Hintz, known for his skill and resilience, responded publicly after the game:

*”I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, but I felt those slashes were targeted. I’ve played hard and clean — I don’t think I deserved that kind of treatment. I hope the league looks into it.”*

His calm yet resolute stance resonated with fans who felt the play was unjustified. Some analysts praised Hintz for maintaining professionalism, while others called for league action to prevent further incidents.

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### The Broader Impact: Fan Trust and League Reputation

Incidents like these test the league’s credibility and fans’ trust. When supporters see repeated infractions go unpunished, it fuels cynicism about league enforcement and fairness. Conversely, strong disciplinary actions can restore faith and promote a culture of respect.

**In this case, the fans’ fury and chants of “This is dirty” reflect a broader desire for accountability and sportsmanship.** Many hope that the NHL’s disciplinary committee will take decisive action to deter similar behavior in future games.

A Wake-Up Call for the NHL

The series of slashings on Roope Hintz, and fans’ furious reactions, serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of maintaining sportsmanship in hockey. While physicality is part of the game’s identity, crossing the line into “dirty” play threatens player safety and the integrity of the sport.

Whether the NHL will respond with suspensions or stricter enforcement remains to be seen, but the message from the fans is clear: “This is dirty,” and they demand action. As the league reviews footage, consults officials, and considers disciplinary measures, the hope is that future games uphold respect and fairness, ensuring that hockey remains a sport of skill, toughness, and integrity—not of targeted, dangerous play.