1. Henrik and Daniel Sedin
You can’t make any list of duos in the NHL without mentioning the Sedin twins in Vancouver. Henrik and Daniel have been a model of consistency ever since the lockout and are just in the middle of their prime right now. The twins have even elevated their game in the last two years; with Henrik taking home the Hart and Art Ross trophies last summer in Las Vegas, while Daniel is tied for third in the league in goals this season with 12. They are both on pace to tally 111 points here in 2010/11.
But it goes beyond stats with these two. When they are on the ice, they are magicians with the puck. Their patented cycle in the offensive zone is a thing of beauty; it’s almost like they have eyes in the back of their heads. Together, they’ve made Alex Burrows a better player and a legitimate offensive threat. And now they are the unquestioned leaders and co-faces of the franchise. Henrik and Daniel make up one of the more special one-two combos
2. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom
Ever since Nicklas Backstrom entered the league four years ago, he and Alex Ovechkin have been the perfect top-line duo in Washington. Between Backstrom’s pinpoint passing precision and Ovechkin’s unworldly goal-scoring skills, they could be the most feared duo in the league. And sometimes it can be the other way around (see below).
Both Ovechkin and Backstrom are just entering their prime, which is scary to think about. They combined for 210 points a year ago and are well on their way to doing so again this season. Once they figure out how to win on the big stage, they’ll be even higher regarded as a premier one-two combo. Batman is to Ovechkin as Robin is to Backstrom.
3. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer
If there could have ever been co-Conn Smythe winners, I would have given it to both Pronger and Niedermayer in 2007 (instead of just Niedermayer). Those two were absolutely dominant as a pairing and, together, were the backbone of the Ducks’ Cup run. Niedermayer scored some clutch goals, while Pronger was a +10 with 15 points. They also made a considerable impact in Anaheim’s first round upset of top-seeded San Jose in 2009. Pronger and Niedermayer, future Hall of Famers, have also been dominant at the international level together.
4. Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood (07/08)Since the lockout, the two-goalie system has been paramount for success in the NHL (in the regular season and playoffs). In my opinion, there’s been no better single-season goaltending duo than the one between Detroit’s pipes in 2007/08. Between Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood, the Wings won the Presidents’ Trophy and William Jennings Trophy. Each started 40 games, combining for a 2.12 GAA and nine shutouts. Nashville chased Hasek in the first round that year, but Osgood picked up the pieces and backstopped Detroit another Stanley Cup.
5. Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo (05/06)
It’s hard not to think about Jonathan Cheechoo’s struggles in recent years; but in 2005/06, he and Joe Thornton were a near-unstoppable force. In 58 games, Thornton piled up 92 points with Team Teal after coming over from Boston. Cheechoo, after that trade, recorded 49 goals; that’s almost a goal-per-game rate! Cheechoo had four hat tricks that year alongside Thornton as the two combined for 170 points – in 58 games!
For any Sharks fan (or hockey fan), it was an absolute treat to watch these two play together and show so much chemistry right off the bat. Unfortunately, Cheechoo’s game has fallen off the deep end as he’s now in the AHL attempting to get back in the NHL.
Honorable Mention: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin; Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook (09/10); Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley; Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane; Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis
Photos credit: Getty Images
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4 comments:
Vinny and St. Louis. Wrong, try St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Interesting, how you have a current article running about how Vinny may be past his prime!
Also, how could you emit Zetterberg and Datszuk? Two of the very best two way players in all the NHL.
This obviously isn't the top five duos as we speak.
In the 3 or 4 years after the lockout, Vinny and St. Louis were a great combo. Stamkos and St. Louis have been stellar for a year or so.
Datsyuk & Zetterberg were definitely considered.
How quickly we forget; I'd think Jaromir Jagr & Michael Nylander certainly deserve at least, and honorable mention, if not more.
Nice article! I agree with some of your picks here; of course, there will always be debate on a topic like this. I'm pretty much a proponent of any duo that involves Martin St. Louis - be it Vinny Lecavelier or Steven Stamkos with the diminutive, hard-working, under-appreciated St. Louis. No matter who you put on that guy's line, chances are they're going to score a ton of goals. Look at the season Steve Downie had on his line last year (of course, Stamkos deserves credit for this, too). Quite honestly, I think Marty is the best play-maker in hockey today, not to mention over the past 7 or 8 years.
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