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In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for the best line(s) in the Eastern Conference.
Todd Cordell
I like the Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak line and, for me, it's not really close.
All three players have high-end puck skills, can score and create opportunities for teammates, and are defensively responsible.
At 5v5, they rank 1st among 36 eligible lines (200+ minutes together) with a 61.45 Corsi For% and they've out-scored their opponents 17-1. The ice is so tilted when they're out there that it's not really a contest.
They may not be the sexiest line – they don't have the flare that Tampa Bay's unit has, for example – but I still think they're the best one.
Jared Crozier
I think its a 3 horse race between Stamkos - Kucherov - Namestnikov; Tavares - Bailey - Lee and Voracek - Couturier - Giroux
These lines each have two of the top 6 scorers in the Conference, and the third are in the top 30.
In actuality, if you look at the advanced stats, Namestnikov drags down the line's possession numbers when compared to when Stamkos/Kucherov are out with almost anyone else. The Islanders group are good, but below even in terms of possession when the trio is on the ice together.
So I give the nod to the Flyers, who have the unique ability to split centre ice duties between Giroux and Coutureir and still make it work effectively. Couturier is having a breakout season in the new role and Giroux is enjoying a renaissance after a nightmare 2016-17. Voracek is the highest scorer in the league not invited to play in the All-Star game.
James Tanner
The best line in the east is the Kucherov-Stamkos line. Two of the best hockey players in the world together one line is hard to top. Throw in Namestnikov and it's an unstoppable line.
Runner ups are the Tavares/Bailey line in New York, the Bergeron/Pasta/Marchand line and the Matthews/Nylander line. But results aside, I don't think the Bruins first line gets the attention it deserves. When you factor in defense to the equation you could probably make a case that they're even better than the Tampa line.
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