The Stars’ top-line centerman had two assists in the 5-3 victory Monday after missing four games with an injury.
EDMONTON, Alberta — Pete DeBoer Smirks at Roope Hintz's Game-Time Decision Ahead of Game 2
When Pete DeBoer announced that Roope Hintz would be a game-time decision for Game 2 at American Airlines Center, he was asked about what Hintz's return would mean for the Stars.
DeBoer couldn't help but smirk before he began listing the numerous benefits of having Hintz back in the lineup.
"It’s fairly obvious," DeBoer said with a smile. "He’s big. He skates. He’s a 200-foot player. He’s one of our best defensive players, one of our best penalty killers, and he creates offense." As the Stars' top-line centerman for the past few years, Hintz has demonstrated his versatility. He consistently contributes at both ends of the ice and excels on both special teams units.
After missing four games with an upper-body injury, it would have been understandable if Roope Hintz had eased back into his roles in his first game back on Monday night.
However, in Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, Hintz quickly reminded both his teammates and his opponents of the significant impact he has in every facet of the game when he’s on the ice.
"I don't think anyone doubted the impact he'd have," said Tyler Seguin, his Stars teammate. "He’s so dynamic. He brings such a speed element to the game. When I get to play with him, I always enjoy it. He creates so much space. "I think Robo probably enjoyed it the most." Hintz set up both of Jason Robertson’s second-period goals, helping Dallas bounce back from a lackluster first period that saw Edmonton leading 2-0. Thanks to that second-period effort, the Stars secured a 5-3 victory.
Early in the second period, Hintz skated along the boards and found Robertson approaching the left circle, setting him up for the first goal. Just 2:30 later, Hintz battled for a rebound in front of Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner, then fed the puck to Robertson, who scored on a backhanded shot.
"Obviously, you can see the speed really drive our line through the neutral zone," Robertson said of Hintz. "He was first on pucks on the forechecks. It was a race, and he won almost all of them, if not all of them. It was a great game for him to come back. I know it’s not easy coming back after having a week or two off, but it didn’t look like he missed a beat."
Before Hintz’s return, Robertson had gone 10 games without a goal. Reunited with Hintz, even on a new line with Seguin on the right wing, the chemistry was instant.
Hintz recorded two shots on goal and generated 15 scoring chances. Defensively, Dallas regained one of its top defensive forwards and penalty killers. Hintz played 1:28 on the penalty kill, during which the Stars shut out Edmonton, holding the Oilers 0-for-2 on the night. He also had a blocked shot and a hit.
Hintz’s presence also freed up other playmakers. DeBoer mentioned Wyatt Johnston on Sunday, noting Johnston had gone scoreless in all four games without Hintz.
"I think he has a little more freedom offensively when Roope’s in the lineup because that’s the matchup he gets," DeBoer said of Johnston. "He doesn’t have to do that defensive heavy lifting that Roope usually does."
Johnston showcased this impact by scoring Dallas’ third goal of the night, giving his team the lead midway through the third period.
"He just brings so much to our lineup. It’s hard to explain," Johnston said of Hintz. "It affects everyone."
No one in the Stars’ locker room doubted Hintz’s ability to make a meaningful impact in his return. His presence will relieve some pressure on the rest of the team as the Western Conference Finals series continues.
However, what impressed DeBoer the most was how his team performed in the four games without Hintz.
"When you consider what our team accomplished during the tail end of the Colorado series and the early part of this series without our No. 1 center, I thought everyone stepped up," DeBoer said. "It wasn’t always pretty—it wasn’t as smooth as it was tonight—but we still found ways to win. Guys stepped up and contributed without a key player. That’s what I’m most proud of. It's fantastic to have him back tonight, but I’m really proud of how we managed during his absence."
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