As the NHL season draws to a close, awards voting is just around the corner. From the Senators' perspective, Travis Greene deserves a mention in the Jack Adams race. Jake Sanderson does the same in Norris Conversation. However, perhaps most deserving of the Selke Trophy debate for the league's top defensive forward is Shane Pinto. Let's get into the details.
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shane pinto by numbers
The fun part about this award is that the offensive numbers somehow matter. It's almost as if this award goes to the best defensive forward who also puts up big-time offensive stats. I guess it can be argued that spending time in the offensive zone is great defense, but then you might as well give the award to Connor McDavid every year. Shane Pinto is a true defense-first forward. His offensive numbers are solid, but he is the third-ranked offensive center with the Senators behind Tim Stuetzle and Dylan Cozens. His job is to defend first and foremost. Here are some key numbers to show Pinto's defensive value:
- 2:13 Shorthand time on ice/game
- 2 shorthand goals, 4 shorthand points
- 49 blocked shots
- 68.6% of defensive zones start at even strength
- 297 defensive zone faceoff
Pinto ranks first or second among Senators forwards in all of the above statistics. To the Senators' credit, they have some forwards who take their defensive responsibilities very seriously. Guys like Ridley Gregg, Michael Amadio and Claude Giroux all deserve a lot of credit for helping the Sens become one of the best defensive teams in the NHL.
However, it is the Pinto that stands above them all. A goal late? Pinto will be on ice. Murder as punishment? Pinto is out there. Matching the opposition's best line-up? Pinto is given work again and again. Often, he is successful in neutralizing the other team's best offensive players.
Ottawa Senators defensive numbers
The Senators are a middling team in terms of goals against. They rank 17th, giving up 3.04 goals per game. Their penalty kill is even worse, ranking 29th in the NHL at 75%. Goaltending has been the main reason for those failures. His .876 SV% ranks 30th in the NHL, and that's actually an improvement from the beginning of the year. On January 30 he had a league worst .866 SV. Even their current save percentage is the franchise's worst since 1993–94. Shorthanded, Linus Ullmark has a save percentage of .811 while Levi Merilainen is even worse at .806.
The Senators are allowing just 24.4 shots per game. This ranks third-best in the NHL behind the Hurricanes (23.8) and Golden Knights (24.3). These three are far ahead of the rest of the players in the league. The fourth-best team, the Flyers, are worse at 25.4 shots against per game. In fact, these three teams have remained in the top three for the last 13 years. In terms of shot attempts, the Senators are third (3,299) behind the Hurricanes (3,032) and Lightning (3,248).
Travis Green deserves a lot of credit for the Senators' defensive play. The forward he relies on most to lead the team in the mentality of blocking shots is undoubtedly Shane Pinto. Green is sure to give Stützle and Cozens more offensive opportunities and better offensive wingers. Pinto's most common classmates are Giroux, Amadio, Greg, and Cousins. When you're on Pinto's line, you know to expect the best forward from other teams, and a lot of defensive zone starts occur.
final thoughts
It's clear how much other teams think of the Senators' defensive game. Opposing coaches and players have often commented on how difficult it is to play against the Senators. His strength is bullet prevention and Shane Pinto is at the forefront in this regard.
It can be difficult to value defensive play. Goaltending, linemates, and the situations that coaches put players in play a factor in the advanced metrics that people point to for defensive value. This is where the old eye test becomes so valuable. Watching the Senators, it's clear how much Pinto means to the team. 20+ goals and 40+ points are nice, but it's his defensive game that shines most.
Inevitably, awards voting is often narrative based. Groupthink is also often involved. In Selke's case, it seems a player has to build up a few years before he can be seriously considered for the award. Well, why not start the buildup to Shane Pinto now? He is as valuable a defensive forward as there is in the entire NHL. It's time for people to realize how worthy he is of Selke Trophy votes.
