Great #3 centers

Nick Hansen

Registered User
Sep 28, 2017
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2,649
Was watching some highlights of the 06/07 playoffs and was reminded of how great Samuel Pahlsson was that year in his shutdown role. What other great #3Cs can you think of from the past?
 
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VanIslander

A 19-year ATDer on HfBoards
Sep 4, 2004
35,134
6,429
Hart trophy winner Max Bentley was acquired by Toronto to play behind Apps and Kennedy,... and the first Leafs dynasty was born!

He was just 27, coming off back-to-back Art Ross seasons when Conn Smythe traded for him (how the heck could Chicago let him go?), and Bentley immediately led the playoffs in assists and again on another of three cups he drank from in T.O.
 

VanIslander

A 19-year ATDer on HfBoards
Sep 4, 2004
35,134
6,429
Mike Ricci morphed his style to play behind Sakic & Forsberg in a defensive role and was important in the Avs first Stanley Cup (both ends, scoring 17 playoff points), Ricci going on to San Jose and a Selke finalist nod.
 
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TheDevilMadeMe

Registered User
Aug 28, 2006
52,271
6,980
Brooklyn
Hart trophy winner Max Bentley was acquired by Toronto to play behind Apps and Kennedy,... and the first Leafs dynasty was born!

He was just 27, coming off back-to-back Art Ross seasons when Conn Smythe traded for him (how the heck could Chicago let him go?), and Bentley immediately led the playoffs in assists and again on another of three cups he drank from in T.O.

Clearly the best 1-2-3 punch ever for a single season.

For a long-term #3 center, it has to be Ralph Backstrom of the 60s Canadiens.

Modern times - Devils have had some great ones in Holik and Madden. Pretty big part of their Cups. Mike Richards in LA is probably better though.
 

JackSlater

Registered User
Apr 27, 2010
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Ralph Backstrom is the first name that came to mind for an elite third line centre.
 

sr edler

gold is not reality
Mar 20, 2010
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6,290
Mike Richards was not a 3C behind Jeff Carter during the 2012 playoffs as he averaged one and a half minute more in ice time, scored more points and was better and more important defensively.

Only time Carter was better than Richards was when Richards were approaching trainwreck station.
 
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sr edler

gold is not reality
Mar 20, 2010
11,845
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I don't even think Carter played center during the 2012 playoffs but wing.

I think it was Kopitar, Richards, Stoll and the 4th one was either Trevor Lewis, Jordan Nolan or Colin Fraser.
 
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brachyrynchos

Registered User
Apr 10, 2017
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997
Craig MacTavish was really good with Edmonton and New York, solid at faceoffs and as a shutdown-defensive 3C. He played a big part in winning some Cups and is overshadowed by the players ahead of him.
Dale Hunter gets alot of hate but gave Washington some great depth behind guys like Pivonka, Ridley and Oates.
Peter Zezel played some 2C but due to center depth often played 3C and did quite well.
 

ShelbyZ

Registered User
Apr 8, 2015
3,799
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For the Red Wings juggernaut prior to the cap, Igor Larionov and then Kris Draper.
 

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