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Best defense pairing in the NHL? |
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In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for the best defense pairing in the NHL.
Todd Cordell
It's hard to argue with the success Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton have enjoyed since being put together.
In 450 5v5 minutes as a pairing, the Flames have controlled 56% of the shot attempts, 54% of the scoring chances and 58% of the goals.
Both guys can skate, both can move the puck and they're on pace to combine for almost 90 points. They're playing fantastic hockey and are a big reason why the Flames currently sit in a playoff spot.
James Tanner
The best defensive pairing in the NHL this year has been Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Suter of the Wild. The Wild are at the top of the standings and both players are on pace for 40 points and they play like 100 minutes per night each. The only problem is that they have sky-high PDOs and terrible possession stats, so it might not last. Still, from a results perspective, they have been the best.
A runner up would be Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson in Anaheim. They don't score as much, but they are much better defensively and likely do more to help their team win.
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