DALLAS — Mike Hoffman hit the 20-goal mark for the third consecutive season Monday. But there’s another number that says more about his development.
Hoffman led all Senators forwards with 18:33 of ice time in the tight-checking 4-2 win over the Boston Bruins.
It’s startling, really, when you consider the never-ending fights between Hoffman and former coach Dave Cameron over adding a defensive conscience to his offensive talent.
Hoffman, who played on a line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Tom Pyatt against Boston — primarily going against top Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron — made a series of subtle, but vital, responsible plays in the victory.