In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the best 1-2 center punch in the Pacific Division.
Todd Cordell
Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
McDavid has put up 100 points in three consecutive seasons. This despite playing for a bad team and regularly carrying a 3rd wheel that has no business being on the top line – or even in the top-6. From Milan Lucic and Zack Kassian to Ty Rattie and Alex Chiasson, there are no shortage of examples yet McDavid continues to dominate like no other.
Meanwhile, Nugent-Hopkins just about hit 70 points in a season where he spent 300+ 5v5 minutes with zero (0) wingers on the Oilers and at least 120 with the following: Jesse Puljujarvi, Jujhar Khaira, Sam Gagner, Lucic, Kassian, Rattie, and Chiasson. What a great collection!
McDavid is the best 1C you'll find and RNH has enjoyed success as a 2C despite far from ideal playing circumstances. They're the best 1-2 punch in the Pacific.
Honorable mention goes to Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl. Couture has been one of the more underrated two-way centers in the league for a while now and Hertl *finally* popped in 2018-19, recording 35 goals and 74 points in 77 games.
Peter Tessier There are a few combos to like in the Pacific and most would probably lead with McDavid and anyone but has that worked for the Oilers? Well from a points part yes but from a team results part no.
Calgary has a great duo of Monahan and Backlund but is there success due to who plays on the wings too? The wingers have a fair bit to do with production for a centre's impact no?
Don't overlook the Canucks this year with Horvat and Petterson. Despite the many shortcomings of the Canucks that is a solid pairing.
Couture and Hertl are another great 1-2 situation as well but with the change in the Sharks roster will that affect them?
Vegas is a team that needs to figure out who and what they are? Ianugural season darlings they added Stone last year but could not find the playoff magic of 2018 however Stastny and Karlsson is nothing to sneeze at.
If you look at these groups perhaps one would say the best from lats year is Calgary's two centres but if I'm looking forward Im putting my money on Horvat and Petterson.
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