[Discussion] The Best 3-on-3 Units around the League

[Phil_314]

Interesting article from The Hockey News, which ranks the best 3-man units teams could put out during overtime. Do you agree? Who's ranked too low, too high? I'd love to see how you'd order these guys, or if you'd make any switches to the guys put out for each team.

1. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (Sidney Crosby / Evgeni Malkin / Kris Letang)

It’s just downright mean. Two of the most dominant players of this generation, either of whom can play center, take the ice with one of the top three offensive defensemen in the game. An unstoppable force. Stacking Crosby and Malkin wouldn’t be a problem since they’d finish many games before Pittsburgh needed to change lines.

2. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (Jonathan Toews / Patrick Kane / Duncan Keith)

The Hawks’ trio comes a very close second to Pittsburgh’s group. Toews is the defensive conscience, Keith the force driving the play up ice from the point, and Kane…just imagine what he could do with that much space. Please let this happen, NHLPA.

3. WASHINGTON CAPITALS (Nicklas Backstrom / Alex Ovechkin / John Carlson)

Alex Ovechkin will score if given the time and space to unleash his laser-like wristers and one-timers. A 3-on-3 system just gives Backstrom more room to set Ovie up and makes Ovie more of a nightmare to cover. Carlson’s two-way game fits nicely here, too.

Dissenting opinion: It’s tempting to sub Mike Green in here for Carlson. Full-throttle, all-out offense, cram a goal down the other team’s throat. – ML

4. LOS ANGELES KINGS (Anze Kopitar / Jeff Carter / Drew Doughty)

The defending Cup champs ice the most well-rounded group. Kopitar provides outstanding 200-foot ability, Carter is your triggerman and Doughty can carry the puck everywhere while also backchecking to stop opposing attackers.

Dissenting opinion: For chemistry purposes, I feel you might gain a little having Marian Gaborik instead of Carter. – RK

5. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (Steven Stamkos / Tyler Johnson / Victor Hedman)

We deploy Tampa’s first- and second-line centers together because their speed can overwhelm opponents. And Stamkos can act as the primary attacker, of course. Hedman’s do-it-all game gives the Bolts’ trio a steady backbone, too.

6. ANAHEIM DUCKS (Ryan Getzlaf / Corey Perry / Sami Vatanen)

Dynamic duos carry even more weight in a 3-on-3 matchup, so the Ducks are set with one of the best in Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Offensive dynamo Vatanen will push the pace, too.

7. DALLAS STARS (Tyler Seguin / Jamie Benn / Alex Goligoski)

We considered John Klingberg alongside the powerhouse Seguin/Benn combo, but Goligoski brings more defensive maturity right now.

8. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (Claude Giroux / Jakub Voracek / Michael Del Zotto)

The Flyers sneak up here. They’ve struggled this season but still have two elite scorers in linemates Voracek and Giroux. The 3-on-3 setup enhances Del Zotto’s value. His puck-moving ability will help Philly strike quickly.

9. NEW YORK ISLANDERS (John Tavares / Kyle Okposo / Nick Leddy)

Tavares and Okposo form two thirds of an extremely productive line, and Leddy’s skating ability works nicely. You can’t go wrong with the league’s leading scorer in Tavares.

10. DETROIT RED WINGS (Pavel Datsyuk / Henrik Zetterberg / Marek Zidlicky)

Datsyuk and Zetterberg would challenge for the top spot a few years ago. Still world-class players, but they’re a bit creaky.

Dissenting opinion: As good as Zetterberg has been, it’s crushing to me not to have Gustav Nyquist here –RK

11. SAN JOSE SHARKS (Joe Pavelski / Logan Couture / Brent Burns)

The Sharks were among our most hotly contested teams. Pavelski and Burns were locks, but Couture edged out Joe Thornton because of the speed factor.

Dissenting opinion: I’d go Joe Thornton instead of Couture since Thornton played with Pavelski and Burns when the latter was a forward last year. – RK

12. COLORADO AVALANCHE (Matt Duchene / Nathan MacKinnon / Tyson Barrie)

Our pick for the fastest trio any team could field. Opponents may have to rope-a-dope them and catch them gambling.

13. ST. LOUIS BLUES (Jori Lehtera / Vladimir Tarasenko / Kevin Shattenkirk)

The deep Blues don’t have a massive gap in raw talent between centers Lehtera, David Backes and Paul Stastny, so we went with the one who plays with Tarasenko.

14. NEW YORK RANGERS (Derek Stepan / Rick Nash / Ryan McDonagh)

The Blueshirts bring a Kings-like trio to the table. Nash and McDonagh’s powerful skating and Stepan’s passing make them a threat to score, but this group is also defensively responsible.

Dissenting opinion: A fun argument: Do you want the size and power of Nash or the quickness and elusiveness of Mats Zuccarello? Such a good problem to have. – RK

15. MINNESOTA WILD (Mikko Koivu / Zach Parise / Ryan Suter)

Not the most tantalizing offensive group, but good luck scoring on these guys, if you can even get the puck from them.

16. CALGARY FLAMES (Sean Monahan / Johnny Gaudreau / Mark Giordano)

One of our favorite sleeper trios. Monahan and Gaudreau can fly, and Giordano’s outstanding all-around game lets them take chances.

17. OTTAWA SENATORS (Mika Zibanejad / Bobby Ryan / Erik Karlsson)

The Karlsson factor alone makes Ottawa dangerous. Zibanejad has also gelled nicely with Ryan, whose power moves make him a poor man’s Nash.

18. CAROLINA HURRICANES (Eric Staal / Jeff Skinner / Justin Faulk)

The Canes appear deadlier in 3-on-3 than “real life.” The extra space suits Skinner’s game, and Faulk’s ability to push the play is underrated.

19. VANCOUVER CANUCKS (Henrik Sedin / Daniel Sedin / Alexander Edler)

Are we not giving Henrik and Daniel enough respect? They have a lot of open ice upon which to work their cycle game.

20. MONTREAL CANADIENS (David Desharnais / Max Pacioretty / P.K. Subban)

Desharnais isn’t one of Montreal’s two most gifted forwards, but let’s not disrupt that chemistry with Pacioretty. Subban playing 3-on-3 is Sportscenter’s dream. Pure highlight-reel material.

Dissenting opinion: I prefer Alex Galchenyuk to Desharnais since Galchenyuk is the more dynamic player. –RK

21. BOSTON BRUINS (Patrice Bergeron / Brad Marchand / Torey Krug)

Bergeron and the deceptively quick Marchand work well together. It’s risky deploying Krug, a pure offensive guy, as your D-man, but Bergeron’s defensive play offsets that.

Dissenting opinion: I prefer Dougie Hamilton to Krug here. Hamilton chips in enough offense but is superior in his own end. – ML

22. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (Ryan Johansen / Nick Foligno / Ryan Murray)

Johansen and Foligno’s powerful forecheck takes opponents out of the play, and Murray’s stable two-way game plays like that of a young Ryan Suter.

23. EDMONTON OILERS (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins / Jordan Eberle / Justin Schultz)

Taylor Hall probably would’ve occupied Eberle’s spot a year ago, but Hall has become a defensive liability.

24. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (Tyler Bozak / Phil Kessel / Morgan Rielly)

Bozak and Kessel still have chemistry. Their slump has a lot to do with team morale. And Bozak is one of the league’s most underrated breakaway scorers.

Dissenting opinion: Rielly is better than Jake Gardiner, but Gardiner’s cowboy style would make him extremely interesting 3-on-3. – ML

25. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (Mike Ribeiro / Shea Weber / Ryan Ellis)

The Predators break the trend here with two blueliners. Ellis functions as Del Zotto does for the Flyers, since Ellis’ game is all about moving the puck quickly.

Dissenting opinion: I think we need a sniper here instead of Ellis. James Neal or Filip Forsberg would do. –ML

26. WINNIPEG JETS (Bryan Little / Blake Wheeler / Dustin Byfuglien)

The Jets tumble because Little and Wheeler lack the “wow” factor of other teams’ top two forwards. They’ve played together for years, though, and ‘Big Buff’ is a force behind them.

Dissenting opinion: I’d like to see Wheeler with current liney Mark Scheifele. – RK

27. FLORIDA PANTHERS (Nick Bjugstad / Jussi Jokinen / Brian Campbell)

In a few years we’re more likely to see Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad here. But Bjugstad is a beast, Jokinen is a proven 1-on-1 demon and Campbell hasn’t lost his smooth skating ability at 35.

Dissenting opinion: Jokinen is a logical choice, but it pains me not to see Jaromir Jagr here. I guess he’s not fast enough for 3-on-3 now. – ML

28. ARIZONA COYOTES (Sam Gagner / Mikkel Boedker / Oliver Ekman-Larsson)

Ekman-Larsson could make things work for this group, but Gagner and Boedker, while bringing speed and shiftiness, would get pushed around.

29. BUFFALO SABRES (Tyler Ennis / Evander Kane / Zach Bogosian)

Three decent players, sure, but put them against the trios above. Imagine them against the Crosby-Malkin-Letang group. Gulp.

30. NEW JERSEY DEVILS (Travis Zajac / Mike Cammalleri / Damon Severson)

New Jersey’s forward corps might be the league’s weakest, especially after GM Lou Lamoriello traded Jagr and Ryane Clowe retired.

[Mathew Barzal]

I like the top ten and the bottom ten aside from MTL, who should be top 15 IMO. The middle 10 is just preference. Lots of different arguements could be made.

[Master Mind]

Sedins are far too low.

Interesting idea, although I don't agree with many of the defensemen picked for the trios. Either way, seeing macthups like these would be exciting to watch.

[HerrDrFunk]

I actually agree with the list. 16 sounds about right for Vancouver as it's a coin flip on which Sedins will show up. Will it be the ones that endlessly cycle and pass up great chances or the version that doesn't hesitate and get the puck to the net.

[hatedkid666]

Canucks, Detroit, Edmonton and Colorado should be higher

[YEGCanuck]

Not so sure the cycle game is a factor with only 3 players on the ice. I think perhaps the 3 fastest skaters may be a unit to consider. A defenseman is not necessary as each unit have to play defense.

[DownUndaCanuck]

3-on-3 is prime for odd-man rushes. Lots of breakaways and 2-on-1s. The Sedins are hopeless at them to be perfectly honest, players like Seguin, Crosby, Ovechkin etc. (real dynamic players) will thrive in those situations, but not the Sedins. With that sort of ice available, skating and speed is the biggest advantage, not passing.

[Bob.Loblaw]

Why do people here think that the Canucks would do well on a 3v3 situation? Our best offensive d-man is Edler, who is slow, lumbering and is not any sort of real offensive threat. Put him with the Sedins and they will definitely try to cycle, but then who shoots? Henrik? They have 34 goals combined. Not to mention the nightmare when one of them coughs the puck up high.

[CeeBee51]

need speed, speed and more speed. Hansen, horvat and Bieksa maybe.

[Plum]

Sedins aren't good enough skaters to be out there on 3 on 3. Once they go the other way the defenceman of the other team will probably get up the ice quicker than the Sedins.

[MRAY]

need speed, speed and more speed. Hansen, horvat and Bieksa maybe.

Whoa wait a minute Bieksa is considered fast?

[Watermelons]

need speed, speed and more speed.

Our fastest trio would be Raymond, Booth and Ballard

Oh wait...

[87Crosby]

Sedin-Sedin-Sbisa. Its overtime remember

[Ronalds.Kenins41]

Sedin-Sedin-Sbisa. Its overtime remember

Imagine if a turnover happened = instant 3-0 going the other way.

[Gyllenhaal]

Ovi/Backstrom/Carlson would be crazy.

I think the Sedins would dominate at 3 on 3. Especially with Edler or Tanev out on the ice.

[Guest Dasein]

I would say some units on that list is just a mashing-together of the three best players on the respective teams, but chemistry is something that you have to take into consideration IMO - in that sense, some of the units are unrealistic

For instance, TBL would never roll out a Stamkos-Johnson duo, as these two never play together (not even on PP). Same goes with the Kopitar-Carter duo for LAK - it's more likely that you see Carter-Toffoli or Kopitar-Gaborik

I'll do my top 16 (which I'm sure some people will disagree with):

1. WSH (Ovechkin-Backstrom-Green) - Ovie is the best goal scorer in the game and that, my friends, is the trump card in a wide open 3-on-3. Which passer-shooter duo do you want with one shot to win the game?
2. CHI (Kane-Toews-Keith) - Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry, and 88 was the leading scorer before his injury
3. PIT (Malkin-Crosby-Letang) - Two of the best but current struggles have them down at #3. To be at #3 and be considered as ranked below their standard goes to show how high this unit's potential is
4. NYR (Nash-Stepan-Yandle) - Nash is a prime time finisher and a big body to contain, Stepan can hold his own and Yandle is one of the better offensive threats in the game from the blue line
5. ANA (Perry-Getzlaf-Vatanen) - Again, muchos chemistry and a sniper in Perry
6. STL (Tarasenko-Lehtera-Pietrangelo) - Really unfortunate that Schwartz is too small (hence too risky) to be centering Tarasenko in a 3-on-3 situation, but having chemistry + elite sniper + elite defenseman easily has this trio up among the best in the game
7. TBL (Stamkos-Killorn-Hedman) - chemistry + elite sniper + elite defenseman
8. VAN (Sedin-Sedin-Edler) - Homer? Perhaps, but I did put heavy emphasis on chemistry, and once the Sedins get a hold of the puck 3-on-3, they will cycle the puck into the net - if Daniel could still shoot like he used to, I would have had them ranked even higher
9. LAK (Toffoli-Carter-Doughty) - Having the best defenseman in the game placed this unit this high
10. WPG (Wheeler-Little-Byfuglien) - Can't believe this trio was ranked so low
11. PHI (Voracek-Giroux-Timonen)* - Chemistry of this forward duo should have them higher than #7 and #8, but it's a 3-man unit, and Doughty and Byfuglien beat out Timonen
12. DAL (Seguin-Benn-Klingberg)* - Speed kills, and so does skill+chemistry that these guys possess
13. DET (Nyquist-Datsyuk-Kronwall) - Magic Man and his pupil with Lidstrom's understudy
14. MTL (Pacioretty-Desjarnais-Subban) - Having DD as the center hurts them in the rankings despite having a 40-goal-scorer and a Norris-winner
15. NYI (Tavares-Okposo-Boychuk) - Tavares and Okposo are great, but it's a 3-man unit, and their 3rd member brings the duo down a little in the standings
16. NSH (Forsberg-Ribeiro-Weber) - Shea Weber. Enough said

*As of March 17, 2015 - PHI & DAL are the two non-playoff teams that make the top 16 list (Two playoff teams that did not make the list are BOS and MIN)

[Guest Dasein]

That being said, everything changes when you realize that it's a 4-man unit if you include the goaltender

All of a sudden, teams like MTL/NSH/LAK/TBL/NYR move up while WSH/CHI/PIT/STL/ANA fall a bit

[The Bookie]

yeah that's total roster masturbation looking at the situation in a bubble

much more likely is coaches will develop two separate specialist units, the 4-4 crowd and the 3-3 crowd

for my money, I'd put Horvat-Hansen-Hamhuis as our 'first unit'. triple-H line.

[Cpt.Clutch]

Horvat Vrbata Hamhuis

Quick line, smart players, sniper, defensively responsible. Of course, Bo and Vrbata never play together...could slot in Matthias for Vrbata I suppose.

[Kaner]

3-on-3 is prime for odd-man rushes. Lots of breakaways and 2-on-1s. The Sedins are hopeless at them to be perfectly honest, players like Seguin, Crosby, Ovechkin etc. (real dynamic players) will thrive in those situations, but not the Sedins. With that sort of ice available, skating and speed is the biggest advantage, not passing.

What are you talking about? The Sedins are great at odd man rushes.