He won’t be a finalist this year, but his defensive game puts him on the right track. Plus, checking in on the Stars’ top prospects, league-wide scoring continues to surge, and more.
Roope Hintz is a special player. Dallas Stars fans have known that for awhile, but now the rest of the league is starting to catch on:
“He’s a special player,” [Minnesota Wild head coach Dean] Evason said. “What we talk about a lot is his speed. He can generate. Just as we talk about with Connor McDavid and having gaps everywhere on a player like that that can separate in a hurry, you’ve got to be close to him. Otherwise, if you give him that space, it’s going to be troublesome.”
But Hintz’s positives aren’t just on offense — he’s also one of the Stars’ best defensive players, even if he’s not typically matched up against opposing teams’ top lines:
“He’ll keep getting better,” Stars head coach Rick Bowness said of Hintz’s defense. “He’s only been in the league for a couple of years… He’s very underrated defensively and he’s one of our best penalty-killers.”
Does that combination of high end offense and defense make him a future Selke Trophy candidate? Saad Yousuf and Shayna Goldman discuss here.
Stars Stories
Count Matt DeFranks in on team “We Want Calgary:”
NEW from @MDeFranks:
Stars’ first round options aren’t appealing, but could improve slightly with strong final push#TexasHockey https://t.co/5TDoC6A9zw
— SportsDay Stars (@dmn_stars) April 19, 2022
Also from Matt, a check-in with the Stars’ top trio of prospects (in juniors):
As OHL and WHL playoffs start, and the QMJHL in its final fortnight of the regular season, what’s next for Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque? https://t.co/W7TXvrkyw2
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) April 19, 2022
Around the League
Yesterday was a mixed bag for the Central Division:
- The Minnesota Wild took care of business against the Montreal Canadiens, shutting them out 2-0. [Hockey Wilderness]
- Meanwhile the Winnipeg Jets drew a blank against the New York Rangers, who earned their 50th win (and third straight shutout) 3-0. [Blueshirt Banter]
- Elsewhere the Nashville Predators were able to pick up two crucial points with a 3-2 shootout win over the Calgary Flames. [On the Forecheck]
- Finally, the St. Louis Blues saw their nine-game win streak snapped with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
The ESPN crew discusses possible reasons the NHL’s increased scoring rate this season:
Is it bad goaltending? Great shooters? COVID chaos? The expansion drafts?
Here are 10 theories why NHL goal-scoring is at a 25-year high, from those inside the game. Really enjoyed writing this one with @kristen_shilton. https://t.co/1b32I4L3FB
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) April 19, 2022
On that note, we already have three 50-goal scorers this year, and more might be on the way:
.@mikeystephens81 takes a look at the players most likely to hit 50 goals before the season comes to an end: https://t.co/vncSQzw8FV
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) April 19, 2022
ICYMI, the Philadelphia Flyers have been hit with a lawsuit from two members of their training staff:
Interim coach Mike Yeo chose not to comment when asked Tuesday about the lawsuit by two members of the training staff against the Philadelphia Flyers, alleging health issues were caused by constant exposure to fumes from ice-resurfacing equipment.https://t.co/ZpTkYXClx2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 19, 2022
Finally, a long (but worthwhile) read about homophobic language in hockey:
Real change doesn’t happen overnight, especially in the insular world of hockey.
But constructive criticism and willingness to learn are key to eradicating some of the harmful language that has become ingrained in the game’s culture.
✍️ @MarkLazerus
https://t.co/pIFrb95YeG pic.twitter.com/pWzKLyhRSj— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) April 19, 2022