Jabobber Hockey

With the 2019-20 season right around the corner, the preseason provides a sneak peek at what players have to offer. Granted, it is only the preseason, but NHL players use these exhibition games to shake off the rust, iron out any wrinkles, and develop chemistry with potential linemates. Line combinations can always change, as nothing is set in stone. But, it is hard to ignore forwards who click when skating together. A strong forward pairing provides a coach with more options, makes the team more versatile, and elevates the level of play. That being said, here are five deadly duos poised for successful seasons to keep an eye on.

Evgeni Malkin and Alex Galchenyuk – Phil Kessel’s name dominated the Pittsburgh headlines this summer. Needless to say, his trade to the Arizona Coyotes generated controversy and speculation. But with Kessel’s departure came Alex Galchenyuk’s arrival, and hockey fans and critics are wondering if Galchenyuk will be able to recapture the magic that helped him score 30 goals in 2015-16.

If his performance from September 19 is any indication, it could be. Galchenyuk scored a PP goal off a pass from Jake Guentzel after Malkin cleanly won the offensive zone draw. Galchenyuk skated with Malkin most of the night, and, together, they generated several quality scoring opportunities, including a two-on-one that saw Malkin sauce the puck to Galchenyuk over the sliding defenseman.  The two seemed to find immediate chemistry. It would make sense for Galchenyuk to play alongside Malkin, filling Kessel’s spot. Galchenyuk also was on the ice for Guentzel’s goal in the second period, which came from a Malkin pass.

If there is any place for Galchenyuk to find his stride, Pittsburgh is it. Playing alongside seasoned veterans like Malkin and Crosby, Alex Galchenyuk is positioned for a breakout season, and Penguins fans must be excited after his performance alongside Malkin last week.

Taylor Hall and Jack Hughes – The New Jersey Devils had, arguably, the busiest offseason of any NHL team. They acquired P.K. Subban from the Nashville Predators and Nikita Gusev from the Vegas Golden Knights. And, Taylor Hall is healthy after recovering from a knee injury. Not to mention New Jersey drafted Jack Hughes with the number one overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

On September 20, Taylor Hall played his first game for the Devils since December 2018 and made an immediate impact. He assisted on Jack Hughes’ goal less than 40 seconds into the game and buried one himself later in the first – assisted by none other than Jack Hughes. Hughes showed off his blazing speed, and Hall demonstrated his defensive awareness and precise shot on both plays. Hall could have had two more goals, set up by Hughes, but he was robbed by Adam Huska on a third period five-on-three.

With both Hall and Hughes tallying a goal and an assist, Taylor Hall looks primed for another MVP-worthy season. If Hughes plays alongside Hall, the rookie could pot 15 to 20 goals.

Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha – The Detroit Red Wings have not tasted playoff hockey for three years. But Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are looking to reverse that trend.

Larkin has improved his point totals over the past two years, registering 73 in 76 last year and 63 in 82 in 2017-18. His speed has always been top-level, but his vision and shot are catching up as well. Most likely, he will put up similar numbers in 2019-20, but do not be surprised if he notches 80 points.

Mantha put up 48 points the past two years, but he only played in 67 games in 2018-19. 25 goals in 67 games is not too shabby, and if he plays a full season, he could reach the 30-goal mark. He did seem to disappear for stretches of last season, so it is time for Mantha to prove he can consistently play at the level he has shown in his flashes of power-forward/sniper brilliance. Playing alongside Larkin will only help.

On September 22, Mantha launched a laser top-shelf for his second of the preseason, while Larkin registered two assists, one of which was a brilliant cross-ice pass that set up Mantha. The pair had multiple opportunities throughout the game, and this performance could be a sign of a productive season for both.

Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson – These two have already shown flashes of chemistry, particularly in their strike off a Sedin-like passing play last season.

Pettersson won the Calder Trophy after posting 66 points in 71 games. He showed no signs of slowing down at any point last season. Though a sophomore slump is possible, the kid’s poise with the puck and raw talent are special. It is difficult to imagine Pettersson taking a step back, particularly with the additions of J.T. Miller and Tyler Myers, who should reinforce Vancouver.

Boeser, fresh off signing a three-year, $17.625 million contract extension, can easily put up 30 to 35 goals if he stays healthy. The 22-year old has not hit the mark yet, but this will be his first full year with Pettersson, and he has yet to play a full 82 games (62 and 69 in his first two seasons). With Boeser’s elite shot, and hopefully motivated to prove himself after signing a nice ticket, he can achieve career-setting numbers this season.

A full season for Boeser combined with an experienced Pettersson make these two a formidable one-two punch for the Vancouver Canucks.

Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele – With the controversy surrounding Patrik Laine, it easy to forget about Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, the two superstars Laine wants to play with on the first line for the Winnipeg Jets. But each appears to be trending up, with Wheeler showing no signs of slowing down at age 33 and Scheifele finding his stride as an elite centerman.

Wheeler is one of the NHL’s premier playmakers, but he also can score, eclipsing the 20-goal mark for six consecutive years. With Scheifele as his centerman, and either Kyle Connor or Nikolaj Ehlers completing the line, these young guns will keep Wheeler rejuvenated and create more space on the ice for Wheeler to deconstruct defenses as he so expertly does.

Scheifele played all 82 games last season and racked up 84 points. His 38 goals and 48 assists demonstrate his ability to score and make plays. He played almost the entire season alongside Wheeler, so the two are a proven threat. With a full, successful season under his belt, Scheifele has shown that he can handle top-line minutes and top-tier defenseman. If his confidence continues to build, with Wheeler at his side, he could reach the 90-point mark.

As a staple forward combo, Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele will continue their success, feeding off each other’s strengths and elevating the play of their final linemate.

Bonus: Mitch Marner and John Tavares – These two need little analysis. In Tavares’ first year with Toronto, he scored 47 goals. Marner’s 94 points earned him 6-year, $65.3 million contract. Occasionally throw Auston Matthews with these two and you have one of the most lethal lines in the NHL.

Now, there are many names and pairings that could be covered in this list ( Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, for example) so please comment on which forwards you think will have out-of-this world chemistry in the upcoming season.

^{Featured Image: David Guralnick, Detroit News}