Yahoo Sports Three NHL Forward Duos Who've Been Unbelievably Good This Season
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
If you're an NHL forward and you can find a linemate with legitimate offensive chemistry, great praise and greater pay will soon be coming your way.
While there are many solid duos throughout the NHL, these three pairs have been outstanding so far this season.
Nathan MacKinnon And Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have had depth issues earlier this season due to injuries and absences, but their high-end talent – in the form of superstar center MacKinnon and star right winger Rantanen – has been delivering as advertised once again this season.
MacKinnon and Rantanen combine for a $21.85-million salary cap hit, and while that combined number will increase when Rantanen becomes a UFA and gets a major raise on his current $9.25-million salary, the Avalanche are going to continue to pile up points night in and night out.
For example: in three games from Dec. 10 to 14, MacKinnon and Rantanen combined to produce seven goals and 18 points. Both players have combined this season to post 31 goals and 97 points in 33 games.
This is no fluke: last season, Rantanen and MacKinnon combined for 93 goals and 244 points, and in last season’s playoffs, they each had 10 assists and 14 points in 11 games. These two players know each other inside and out, and when they thrive, the Avs thrive.
James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Nikita Kucherov And Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
Right winger Kucherov and center Point have each been an important part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. And this season, they’re excelling once again at what they do as linemates. Point has 21 goals and 37 points in 25 games this season, while Kucherov has 33 assists and 47 points in 27 games.
Playing alongside left winger Jake Guentzel doesn't hurt, either, as he has 18 goals and 33 points in 29 games.
Kucherov’s instincts around the net, combined with Point’s speed and determination, make for an elite first line for the Bolts. Together, they regularly impose their will on the game, which makes them one of the NHL’s top duos. Point and Kucherov could end up winning the Rocket Richard Trophy and Art Ross Trophy, respectively, if they can keep going.
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Jack Hughes And Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils
The Devils are one of the very best high-octane teams in the NHL. The combination of right winger Bratt and center Hughes powers their top line and leads the way for the rest of the lineup.
Considering Bratt already has 28 assists and 42 points in 34 games this year, and Hughes has 28 assists and 41 points in 34 games, you can see what their combination means to this New Jersey team.
The truly scary part is that Bratt and Hughes still have yet to reach their prime. When they do, their opponents will be overwhelmed by their stupendous talents.
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.
