Arizona Coyotes: Six Questions After Rough Start In Desert
The Killer D’s aren’t producing like they are accustomed to. What’s wrong with the dynamic duo? Who should center their line, or should they be split up to fix the problem?
Alex Temes:
I think sustained line time with Christian Dvorak will get Max Domi and Anthony Duclair going.
In the Rangers game, that line was probably one of the most energizing.
I think if Coach Tippett stopped doing his best Joel Quenneville “Line Blender” impression and let some chemistry grow, results will come.
I believe separating Domi and Duclair would ultimately put both of them in a pretty bad ‘sophomore slump’.
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Jason Harrison:
The Domi and Duke conundrum seems unique, but it’s a pretty regular occurrence around the NHL.
Teams often have a pair of highly skilled players who work well together, but the common wisdom among coaches seems to be separating them to spread the scoring throughout the lineup.
You can see the two disparate thought processes on this in action in Washington and Chicago.
Until this season, no matter how many times the Caps’ various head coaches separated them, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom always performed better on the same line. In Chicago, Coach Q often plays Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on separate lines…and then will bring them together late in games if it gets a little hairy.
I’m still up in the air on Domi and Duke playing together at even strength.
I think it’s great late in games but I’m not sure it’s something they need to be doing all the time, at least not until some of our other young offensive dynamos pick up the pace to fill out other lines.
As for who I’d like to see centering them, of the realistic options I’d choose Christian Dvorak.
Not only do the Killer D’s need to get going, but Dvo needs to live up to his own hype. There’s no better way to rack up points long term than centering this pair.
Plus, the “3D line” has a nice ring to it.
Caitlyn Pence:
The Killer D’s have been separated and put back on the same line throughout this season so far.
So it’s not that they need to be apart. They just need to score once.
They are both streaky players, once they score they won’t stop.
With that said they need help maintaining puck control. I believe a veteran center would be best.
Although Dvorak being there would sound like a killer line, it won’t work. Martin Hanzal being there would be the best option with his net front presence and skill.