Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek can stake a claim as the best defence pair in the NHL so far this season.
Consider the following: The Vancouver Canucks’ No. 1 defence pair has not been on the ice for a goal against at 5-on-5 after seven games and more than 100 minutes of even-strength action. Together, they boast a plus-8 goal differential and have controlled 59.8 per cent of expected goals.
Hughes and Hronek’s hot start to the season is a promising development for the Canucks, who have needed stability on the back end for some time. Individually, Hughes is a dominant force with the puck on his stick. He is the league leader in possession, averaging 3:16 of puck-on-stick time per game.
Hughes is an expert at moving the puck up ice, ranking second out of 194 defencemen (minimum 50 minutes) with 23.7 possession-driving plays per 20 minutes at 5-on-5. He does it in a variety of ways, but especially with his legs. Hughes’ 3.39 open-ice dekes per 20 — third among qualified defencemen — illustrate his ability to change direction on a dime.
The Canucks’ offence flourishes when their captain hops over the boards. They have a 9-1 edge in goals and 58-39 advantage in scoring chances at 5-on-5 whenever he’s been on the ice.
Hronek did not attract much attention during his four-plus seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, but his partnership with Hughes has thrust him into the spotlight. Hronek’s skills are subtle, such as his accuracy on long-range passes. He has completed 13 of 17 stretch passes at 5-on-5, a 76.5 per cent success rate that is tied for 39th among qualified defencemen.
Defensively, Hronek stands out for his ability to clear pucks out of danger. His 1.69 rebound recoveries per 20 in the defensive zone are second most at the position. Hronek’s steadiness allows Hughes to dial up the aggressiveness — a combination that has produced excellent results for the Canucks.
“(I) probably haven’t played with a player as good as him,” Hughes told reporters earlier this month. “He’s really skilled, can move the puck, can see things. He can defend. He can skate. … They wanted to maybe split us up, but I’m happy that we’re together.”
All stats via Sportlogiq
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