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The Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield trio is one of the most productive in the NHL
Michaël Petit
The Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Caufield trio is one of the most productive in the NHL
Credit: Getty Images

Since Juraj Slafkovsky has been paired with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, the Montreal Canadiens’ first line has officially been born.

I’m not saying it won’t change over time with the likes of Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage coming up, but the three young players are playing very well together.

It’s not uncommon for the first line to be the one that stands out, game after game.

According to the Money Puck website, the Canadiens’ core offense is among the best lines in the NHL.

With a minimum of 200 minutes played together at 5-on-5, the trio ranks 7th in goals scored per 60 minutes (excluding Sunday games).

It’s also just ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ trio composed of Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner.

It’s still incredible.

As for the trio made up of Eric Robinson, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Martin Necas (before Necas was traded), they rank 4th in goals scored per 60 minutes.

But there’s another trio that’s catching my attention, and it’s the one made up of Dimitri Voronkov, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko. The Jackets’ trio not only tops the list (goals per 60 minutes) but is also excellent defensively, with only 1.31 goals against per 60 minutes.

What makes it even more impressive for the Canadiens’ first line is when you rank the trios by the number of goals scored together at even strength. You see that Slafkovsky, Suzuki, and Caufield are 4th.

(Credit: MoneyPuck)
The Canadiens have undoubtedly found their future first line with three players who complement each other perfectly.

Slafkovsky just needs to be more consistent in his gameplay, but he’s only 20 years old, so let’s be patient.

Especially since recently, we’ve seen the Slafkovsky from the second half of the season, and he’s starting to understand his role: that of a power forward.

If he focuses on playing that way, he could undoubtedly become one of the best power forwards in the NHL.

I’m really looking forward to seeing when Demidov joins the lineup, if he can dislodge one of the three players to evolve on the first line.


Rapid Fire

– He’s so dominant.

– Let’s not forget this achievement, which would be quite incredible for Sidney Crosby to reach.

– Max Domi answered the call (in every sense of the word) from Wayne Gretzky today.

– Worth reading.

– Too bad for the Orlando Magic.

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