The “underrated” label is applied too liberally in sports.
When it comes to Roope Hintz, however, it fits, though not for much longer. The Dallas Stars’ No. 1 centre had a career-high 75 points in 73 games during the regular season, which ranked tied for 40th in the NHL and fourth on his own team. But entering the conference finals, Hintz led all remaining players with nine goals and 19 points in 13 games — a 57-goal, 120-point pace over a full season. The Stars have outscored opponents 11-6 at 5-on-5 and controlled 56.4 per cent of expected goals with Hintz on the ice.
Earlier in the postseason, Stars forward Max Domi told reporters that Hintz was straight out of a video game.
“He’s (the kind of) guy you try and create,” Domi said. “He’s got everything. He’s got speed. He’s got size. He’s got a great hockey IQ, very competitive (and an) unbelievable shot, too.”
Hintz’s 3.08 scoring chances per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 were tied with New Jersey’s Jack Hughes for third most among forwards after two rounds. Hintz uses his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame to work his way into those high-danger areas. His 11 shots at 5-on-5 from the inner slot, where 52 per cent of all even-strength goals were scored through two rounds, were tied for most in the league.
Of the four teams left in the field, Dallas is by far the most prolific off the rush, leading the pack with 71 such chances at 5-on-5 — 14 more than their Western Conference Final opponent, the Vegas Golden Knights. The speedy Hintz is a big part of that attack, pacing all Stars forwards with 19 possession-driving plays per 20 at 5-on-5. Rush chances at 5-on-5 are 30-15 in favor of the Stars when Hintz is on the ice. (Possession-driving plays include controlled exits and entries, as well as passes toward the attacking net.)
Hintz’s impact is not limited to the offensive side of the puck. Out of 90 forwards who played at least 100 minutes at 5-on-5 in Rounds 1 and 2, Hintz ranked 19th in on-ice expected goals against per 20 (0.56). His defensive awareness has helped him generate offence.
If the Stars get past the Golden Knights and reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in four years, Hintz should top the list of Conn Smythe Trophy contenders.
“He’s built for the playoffs,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer told reporters. “He’s a big, powerful man that won’t get intimidated, won’t get pushed out of any game. He’s gone to another level here at the most important time of the year.”
All stats via Sportlogiq
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