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Best defense pairing in the Pacific Division? |
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the best defense pairing in the Pacific Division.
Todd Cordell
Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie/Rasmus Andersson.
Giordano primarily played with Brodie, as has been the case for years, and enjoyed great success. They controlled 55% of the expected goals, 57% of the shot attempts, and 59% of the goals at 5v5 while being matched up against top lines in every home game. At times Brodie would shoot himself in the foot for a couple periods or games. Andersson took Brodie's spot when that happened and there was not much drop off. There wasn't any, actually. In 155 minutes, Giordano and Andersson posted ~57 CF%, ~58 xGF%, and out-scored opponents 17-6 (73.91 GF%).
Regardless of which defender was opposite side Giordano, the top pairing was utterly dominant. That should be the case again this season so long as father time doesn't catch up with the 2018-19 Norris Trophy winner.
Peter Tessier
San Jose is going to get a lot of looks at their defense given the star power on it with Burns, Vlasic and Karlsson but Calgary is no slouch either. Giordano and Brodie is the duo that comes to mind but what about Hamonic and Hanafin?
There were only 9 pairs in the NHL that played more than 1000 5v5 mins last season and four were in the Pacific division. Hamonic had a rather disastrous debut season with Calgary but last season he bounced back and with Hanifin the duo had a 54.72% CF and and same in SF%. Their on ice Expected Goal percentage was 55.70%, higher than Giordano and Brodie.
At some point father time will catch Giordano and many believe that Brodie benefits from him so I'll go with H-squared, Hamonic and Hanifin.
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