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Best 1-2 punch in the Atlantic Division? |
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the best 1-2 center punch in the Atlantic Division.
Todd Cordell
A strong case can be made for Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point but I'm going with Toronto's dynamic duo, Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
Matthews has been the most efficient goal scorer in the league since he joined. Over the last two seasons, only Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov have recorded 5v5 points at a higher rate. He is insanely good.
Meanwhile, Tavares led the NHL in 5v5 goals and ranked 7th among forwards in even-strength Goals Above Replacement – ahead of both Point and Stamkos – in his first season as a member of the Maple Leafs.
I just love the consistency of Tavares and, to me, Matthews has the highest ceiling of the bunch. I give them the slight edge.
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Evolving-Hockey.com.
James Tanner
The Best 1-2 Centre punch in the Atlantic is Tavares/Matthews, which is also the best in the NHL. Tavares almost scored 50 goals, and a healthy Matthews might have scored 60. The impact of play-driving centres who score goals can't be overstated, and the Tampa duo is also amazing, but just not quite as good. Brayden point is a fantastic player, but he's no Matthews. It will be interesting to see what the Leafs do this year as Matthews still isn't done getting better.
Adam French
Domi-Danault. It isn't even close. Maximum Domi is primed for a huge year, we're talking 90 points easy. Danault is the next Bergeron and ready to hit 70 points as a Selke winner. Then you have Kotkabeastly and you end up running away with the best centre depth in the Atlantic, let alone the league.
It's Matthews-Tavares if/when healthy. Point and Stamkos are a formidable pair, but I like Tavares' steadiness over Stamkos' highs and lows plus Matthews over Point in most areas of the game with more potential.
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