Top line chemistry: Robertson, Hintz, and Pavelski working together

Pete DeBoer's plan to increase depth scoring and spread minutes throughout the lineup is exactly what this team needs - and what will make it a more dangerous opponent throughout the season.
But there is one element that we really haven't talked enough about.

The plan works best when the top line continues to do what it is doing.
Sure, the Stars could bump up from 21st in scoring (2.84 goals per game) with a bit more from some struggling superstars and some young depth players. In fact, it had to happen. But they don't get to sixth in the league in scoring (3.64 goals per game) if the big guys don't maintain their pace from last season.
And that was an incredible pace, when you think about it.
Joe Pavelski was in his 16th NHL season and posted the best points per game of his career at 0.99. He's only slightly behind that at 0.91 this season. Jason Robertson had a breakout year, becoming just the fourth player since the team moved to Dallas in 1993 to score 40 or more goals in a season with 41. He's on pace to top that this season with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 11 games. Roope Hintz could continue the steady growth of his career by bettering the 72 points he tallied in 80 games last season, as he's off to a quick start with 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 11 games.
It's really difficult to be that consistent in the NHL, but the top line finds a way to score pretty much every night. On Thursday in Arizona, Jamie Benn had a goal and two assists while Wyatt Johnston, Denis Gurianov and Ty Dellandrea all chipped in goals too. But, Robertson scored twice and Hintz had two assists and Pavelski one.
It turned what could have been a nice win, into a 7-2 blowout, and it shows just what the vision for this group can be. Yes, Benn and Tyler Seguin can increase their numbers after a couple of down years. Yes, Mason Marchment can continue the growth that he showed in Florida last season. Yes, younger players like Johnston, Dellandrea and even Gurianov can start to give the team the push for the future it needs.
But it all starts with the big guns. If you have that trio clicking, it not only makes things easier on the scoreboard, it makes it a lot easier on the ice.
DeBoer had watched the top line as an opposing coach and even pondered breaking them up to spread around the scoring in Dallas. However, he learned quickly that he had something special.
"They're the real deal," DeBoer said. "It's not an accident what happened last year. They're doing it again right now. They've been better at home than on the road, so we're going to need them on the road here."
DeBoer coached Pavelski in San Jose and says he is an incredibly intelligent and dedicated athlete. At age 38 he is playing some of the best hockey of his life, and also handing down his wisdom to teammates. Dellandrea scored his first goal of the season Thursday on a deflection in front of the net. He battled for space and a Colin Miller shot deflected in off his leg.
So where did Dellandrea learn that trick?
"I watch Joe," he said with a smile. "He's been helping me for a number of years, just giving me tips, giving me advice. We work on it. Just trying to get body position, try to get loose because often they want to tie up. Everything I've learned there comes from Joe, though."
Hintz might have the purest talent on the team. He is listed at 6-3, 215 and might be the fastest skater on the roster. He's growing into the responsibility of being a No. 1 center at age 25 and he's a restricted free agent in the summer, so he could be the next Stars player looking at a big contract.
But one of the great things about the line is they don't get distracted. Robertson missed most of training camp negotiating a contract but once he got into camp, he resumed the level of play that earned him a four-year deal. He said playing in a familiar role helps that.
"I think it's just staying consistent," Robertson said. "I'm not going to take guys on 1-on-3 and try to stickhandle out of it. I know how to play the right way and I know Roope and Joe know their limitations. We're just staying consistent with that, and it's been working for us."
In fact, Robertson said the line values strong defensive play. They have scored 11 even strength goals as a line and been on the ice for only one against. They join Miro Heiskanen in making up the top four on the team in plus-minus.
"We're not really cheating our way into playing offense, so that's kind of something you take pride in - being a good two-way line and not getting scored on," Robertson said. "We're all playing the right way, and that's something that kind of gets overlooked when you see the points and everything. I like to think our line is pretty good at doing everything the right way."
DeBoer has learned that's a pretty good group to count on.
"They have a little bit of chemistry on that line," he said when asked for their secret to success. "Joe Pavelski is one of those guys you put with anybody, and he makes the line better. He always has. But Roope Hintz is elite power and skill, and Robo has elite hockey sense and finishing and offensive ability. You put guys together and you never know, but they have the chemistry."
A chemistry that only seems to be getting better - and is something we probably need to appreciate more.
"It's kind of just another game now," Robertson said when asked if he steps back and recognizes the accomplishments. "That's kind of the beauty of it. You can show up every game and know how everybody is going to play. It makes it easy for all of us to play together."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.