Shane Pinto at 26: More Than Just a Shutdown Centre

There aren't many players in the NHL like Shane Pinto.

On his 26th birthday, the Ottawa Senators centre is showing there's more to his game than shutting down the opposition's best players.

With a bigger offensive role, Pinto is on pace for 30 goals and 61 points this season, while giving head coach Travis Green more flexibility with his lineup.

It's another step forward for a player coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons and a sixth-place finish in Selke Trophy voting last season.

“He’s not just a checker; he can score too,” Green said about Pinto on Coming In Hot a year ago.

“That's what Pinto has: guys that can play against other good players and still produce.”

Now, Pinto is getting the opportunity to prove it.

Since Halloween, when Green moved Pinto into a second-line offensive role, his deployment has changed significantly.

According to Natural Stat Trick, 69 per cent of Pinto's zone starts have come in the offensive end since the switch, compared to just 45 per cent before Halloween. That's a higher percentage than Lane Hutson or Macklin Celebrini over that same stretch.

Pinto has responded with five points in five games.

He credits playing alongside Drake Batherson for part of the increase in offensive opportunities.

“I think the defensive part of the game will always be there, and my habits always stay the same when you play with more skilled players,” Pinto told ComingInHot.ca.

The Senators' second line of Pinto, Batherson and Philip Tomasino has an expected goals share of 58 per cent.

In back-to-back games against Buffalo and Utah, Pinto was entrusted with offensive-zone faceoffs that resulted in two important goals.

“I don't think it changes too much on how I play; I think I try to play pretty similar, and just starting in the O-zone's nice and less taxing,” Pinto said with a laugh.

Pinto's Impact Goes Beyond His Own Line

Perhaps the biggest benefit of Pinto's emergence as a second-line centre is the flexibility it's given Green throughout the lineup.

With Pinto handling the middle on the second line, the Senators have been able to move Dylan Cozens to the wing.

Cozens has responded with five points in four games since making the switch in Los Angeles, where the Senators rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the third period.

The line of Fabian Zetterlund, Tim Stützle and Cozens has an impressive 74.1 per cent expected goals share while outscoring opponents 2-0, according to MoneyPuck.

The move has also allowed the Senators to roll three lines capable of producing offence.

With Ridly Greig centring Michael Amadio and Claude Giroux on the third line, that trio has posted an 88 per cent expected goals share at five-on-five while outscoring opponents 3-0.

It's a small sample size, but the early results are encouraging.

And it all starts with Pinto's ability to take on a bigger offensive role.

Still Room to Improve

The increased offensive responsibility hasn't come without some challenges.

Pinto's defensive numbers haven't been quite as strong as in previous seasons.

Last season, he ranked 54th in the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, allowing 2.29 among players with at least 500 minutes played.

This season, that number has increased to 3.05, ranking him 305th among 760 players.

According to HockeyViz, Pinto has remained a solid defensive player, although he hasn't performed at the elite level he demonstrated last season.

Pinto recognizes there are areas of his game that still need work.

“Personally, I feel stronger out there. My puck battles have been good. I think maybe ending a little bit more plays and making a couple more takeaways. I know Mikey Amadio’s super good at it, but just especially down low, I think presenting that ozone time for the opposing team is important. I know it's frustrating for us when we can't get ozone time. So, eliminating that and trying to get into the ozone quicker is something I'm trying to harp on.”

He's also looking to improve his shot blocking, particularly on the penalty kill.

“Maybe be better at blocking shots too. I think it is a skill,” said Pinto.

For a player who has already established himself as one of the league's better defensive forwards, the focus on improving the little things hasn't changed.

What has changed is the opportunity to contribute more offensively.

Pinto entered the season with a goal of scoring 30 times. He's currently on pace to reach that mark, along with a career-high 61 points.

His previous career bests of 23 goals, 23 assists and 46 points all came last season.

Now, with a bigger role and more offensive opportunities, Pinto is showing he may have another level to reach.

Even his head coach isn't sure where the ceiling is.

“It's hard to say where he can max out at,” said Green.