Sniper Hoffman displaying more well-rounded game
Mike Hoffman hit the 20goal mark for the third consecutive season Monday, but there was another number that said more about his development.
Hoffman led all Ottawa Senators forwards with 18:33 of ice time in the tight-checking 4-2 win over the Boston Bruins.
It was startling, really, considering the never-ending fights between Hoffman and former coach Dave Cameron about adding a defensive conscience to Hoffman’s offensive talent.
Hoffman — who played on a line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Tom Pyatt against Boston, primarily going against the Bruins’ top line centred by Patrice Bergeron — made a series of subtle, but vital and responsible plays.
“It feels good when you’ve completed your task for the day,” said Hoffman, who has also been used with Pageau and Pyatt against the likes of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. “When you’re given that responsibility, it’s something you take pride in.”
Senators coach Guy Boucher said Hoffman was the team’s choice for player of the game. He also said it was fitting Hoffman scored the game-winning goal on a third-period power play.
“Hitting the 20 plateau feels nice,” Hoffman said. “But there’s a lot more too it, too. It shows the confidence the coach has in you. I have to change the way I play a little bit, chipping pucks in more than I usually would, but if that’s what gives the team the best chance to win, I’m happy to take that role.”
In the pre-season, Hoffman said he was aiming for the 30-goal mark, a progression from his 27 goals in 2014-15 and 29 last season. Still, if his new role helps the Senators get into the playoffs, he’d be fine falling a few goals short.
He hasn’t given up hope yet, though.
“For sure, that was my goal, but there’s still (18) games left,” he said.