Arizona Coyotes: Predicting 2016-17 Lineup (Forwards)
Max Domi (LW), Martin Hanzal (C), Anthony Duclair (RW)
Max Domi and Anthony Duclair proved last season that they belong on the same line. They are the backbone of the youth movement, and both will be counted on to improve this year.
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Their speed and skill was on display last season, and it often seemed to overwhelm opposing defenders. They need a big, smart center to complement their style of play.
Dylan Strome should be the Coyotes’ number one center someday, but for now there are a few reasons why Martin Hanzal is the best man for the job.
- He matches up well defensively against other big Pacific Division centers (Thornton, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Monahan)
- His high faceoff percentage (56% last year) will help generate possession for Domi and Duclair.
- This line was the Coyotes’ best last season. They averaged 3.57 goals per 60 minutes, good enough to be the 10th highest scoring line in the league.
Like the old saying says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There is no learning curve for this line, and that should provide the Coyotes with some offensive stability to start the season.