Stars’ News & Rumors: Players-Only Meeting, Hintz & Holtby

In this edition of Stars News & Rumors, Dallas holds a players-only meeting following a loss to Nashville, Roope Hintz finally tallied his first of the season, and Braden Holtby has hit a bump in the road. 

Stars Hold Players-Only Meeting 

Following the 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night, the Stars held a players-only meeting in the dressing room before addressing the media. While it is unknown what exactly was said in the meeting, losing for the sixth time in seven games makes it clear that the team is urgently trying to turn things around. 

“We had a talk with the group there, and that stays there with the boys.”

– Stars forward Roope Hintz 

These meetings have worked in the past as players take responsibility and address the issues in the room. Dallas needs to solve their issues fast as they continue to drop in the Central Division standings. Last night’s loss leaves them five points behind Nashville, who currently holds the final playoff spot in the Western Conference (sound familiar?). Adding to the drama, head coach Rick Bowness stepped up to the microphone following the game and delivered a brief statement before walking out of the media room.

“I know exactly what’s wrong with this team and we’re going to fix it.”

– Stars head coach Rick Bowness 

This statement shows a lot of confidence for a team that has struggled to find its game all season long. However, for the Stars and their fans, they hope their coach is right, and they can fix these issues as soon as possible. 

Related: Stars Need To Overcome Second-Period Woes

Hintz With The Finnish

Roope Hintz entered this season with high expectations. After scoring 43 points in 41 games last season while battling through an injury, he was set to explode onto the scene in 2021-22. Unfortunately, he went 11 straight games to start the season without scoring a goal. Hintz played well in those games, and created plenty of high-danger scoring chances each night. However, due to some bad luck and lack of finish, he was only picked up two assists, and carried a minus-5 rating heading into the game against the Predators on Wednesday night. 

“I mean, if we put together a highlight reel of creating grade-A’s (scoring chances), Roope is probably in every one of them. We keep talking to him but there’s only so much we can say to him. When it’s gonna come, it’s gonna come.”

– Stars head coach Rick Bowness 

Fortunately for Hintz and the Stars, it finally came on Wednesday against the Predators. On a skilled play, Hintz was able to glove a puck out of the air, drop it on the crease, and tap it into the open side of the net for his first goal of the season. While it certainly has to feel like a weight off his shoulders, his response after the game was that of a teammate.