Latest report indicates why MacKinnon and Necas might be better off apart this season
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Mile High Sticking
There has been a lot of excitement to watch a full season of Colorado Avalanche star forwards Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon playing together, but it might prove to be more beneficial if they play on separate lines.
It might help spread their puck possession abilities across two lines rather than only one. Lots of talk is already spreading regarding Necas' contract talks and how they use him could be a deciding factor.
Splitting Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon up could prove to be more optimal for the Colorado Avalanche.
Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette discussed the possibility of splitting the two star forwards to distribute puck possession more evenly across two lines. While it remains unlikely that Necas and MacKinnon will actually be separated, the concept isn't without merit in theory.
"That duo did score goals - both in the regular season and in the playoffs when they outscored the Stars 6-3 while they were on the ice. The point is that it appears, at least at the moment, Bednar is going to take advantage of the talent the team has up front. That means occasionally splitting up Necas and MacKinnon, especially if the puck isn't regularly going in the back of the net." -Rawal
One advantage head coach Jared Bednar has this season compared to last is flexibility, he can be more creative with line combinations. While Necas and MacKinnon will usually play together, Bednar can separate them when needed to spark the second line or force opposing teams to defend against two potent lines instead of just one.
"If Necas can score at a point-per-game rate and drive the play while skating with two bottom six forwards, why not see what he can do over an extended period of time playing with Brock Nelson? Necas is a fantastic puck distributor and at times it looks like he's able to do whatever he wants when he's on the ice." -Rawal
We will see how adventurous Bednar gets this year with line combinations, but it is certainly a positive sign that he has a lot more to work with this season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 21 ANSWERS Latest report indicates why MacKinnon and Necas might be better off apart this season Do you think it would be better to play Avalanche star forwards Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon on separate lines? | ||
| yes | 13 | 61.9 % |
| no | 8 | 38.1 % |
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