Van Nistelrooy, who was suffering from an ankle injury, had to sit out the visit of Michael Skibbe's improving side, but Hamburg still had a good chance to lead on 25 minutes through Marcus Berg; the Swede however planted his header wide of the target.
Lacking inspiration?
Both sides had their chances though before half time, Selim Teber had a strike which fizzed just over for Eintracht, whereas Torun had a chance for Hamburg.
Hamburg have scored more away goals than home goals this season, but they were desperate for a moment of inspiration in the second half to grab the three points.
Chances at both ends
However, it was in-form Eintracht Frankfurt who appeared more likely to break the deadlock; on 63 minutes Alexander Meier had a strike from the right of the penalty box which slipped under the body of HSV keeper Frank Rost, the ball clear on the line by Jerome Boateng.
Hamburg's substitute and Burkina Faso international Jonathon Pitroipa also came close on 77 minutes, his strike going just wide after slaloming past Ochs and Schwegler.
Hamburg in Munich next weekend
HSV will need a better performance against Bayern next weekend at the Allianz Arena if they are to get the win that their title bid so desperately needs; after leading the Bundesliga in September, they now find themselves nine points behind van Gaal's leaders in fourth position.
Eintracht to climb quietly at the table, and maintain their push for a European spot next season, Skibbe's side in sixth position.
