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Dallas Stars Daily Links: A Closer Look At Roope Hintz’s World-Beating Shot

Matthew DeFranks examines how the young Finn has become a netminder’s nightmare. Plus, the Stars’ next watch party, Kovalchuk’s next move, and more.

Roope Hintz has a hockey tool kit as intimidatingly large as he is. The Dallas Stars’ biggest forward (6-3, 220 pounds) is also one of the team’s fastest skaters. On top of that, he brings his thundering shot with a quickness and finesse that can stun even elite goalies.

It’s a combination that leaves both opponents and teammates wondering how he does it, reports The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks:

“It’s hard to explain,” Corey Perry said. “He’s so big and strong that he shoots it pretty hard. It’s almost like he whips it, kind of, but more snap. I don’t know. It’s very deceiving to me.”

Among players with at least 55 shots on goal this season, Hintz’s 21.8% shooting percentage ranks second in the league. In the last five seasons, among players that shoot the puck as often nightly (1.96 shots per game) and yearly (55 shots) as Hintz this season, only two players have higher shooting percentages: William Karlsson’s 43-goal season in 2017-18 and T.J. Oshie’s 33-goal season in 2016-17. Hintz is just above Leon Draisaitl’s 50-goal season and Brayden Point’s 41-goal season, both last year.

Hintz is beating goalies at an elite level this season, and DeFranks has taken a close look at what he does that leaves them guessing – and why his technique is an ongoing threat:

Hintz carries the puck away from his body, which is where he passes pucks from, dangles from and shoots from. It creates a confusing read for goalies, including Dallas’ own.

“When he comes in, he has it behind him and it’s cocked and ready to go,” Ben Bishop said. “Get in that position, a lot of guys will have it in front of them and take it there. He comes in with it already in that position, so he can kind of fling it at any point.”...

“Strong players can do that,” Andrew Cogliano said. “When you’re that big and strong like that, guys like that can shoot in that type of way when it’s hard for others, to be honest. I think he’s moving fast a lot of the time, so his speed and his strength, puts some good torque in his stick.”

There’s more behind the paywall. [SportsDayDFW]

Stars Stuff

Speaking of elite goalies...Ben Bishop. That’s it.

Also from the Stars: Don’t forget the official watch party for tonight’s matchup against Bish’s former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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