Should MacKinnon center one of Canada’s top two lines in Beijing?

[Hisch13r]

Why would Canada waste MacKinnon the wing? Doesn't make sense. That's not as good a use of his skillset. He is a Center. Period.

So is Bergeron. We all saw how Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron played.

 

[WarriorofTime]

So is Bergeron. We all saw how Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron played.

Bergeron's skillset on offense translates better to wing. He is a good offensive player but not as dynamic as MacK.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

No he hasnt. 48 points in 54 games. 9 in 11 for the playoffs. Higher then his career average. So what step has he lost?

Discussing career averages is silly. Bergeron peaked a couple years ago and has definitely lost a step since then. I don’t expect him to revert to form as a guy going on 37 years old next year.

 

[CanadienShark]

Voted yes, but I could definitely see him on RW in the top 6 too.

 

[amnesiac]

Why would Canada waste MacKinnon the wing? Doesn't make sense. That's not as good a use of his skillset. He is a Center. Period.

so whos not a C: Crosby, Point, Bergeron, ROR?

 

[WarriorofTime]

so whos not a C: Crosby, Point, Bergeron, ROR?

I'm not even sure if Bergeron is a lock to make the team. If they played tomorrow, yes, definitely, but he's getting up there. But if he's on the team, he's playing Wing.

 

[Regal]

I'm not even sure if Bergeron is a lock to make the team. If they played tomorrow, yes, definitely, but he's getting up there. But if he's on the team, he's playing Wing.

We're talking about 8 months from now.


Bergeron was 29th in the league in 5v5 P/60 with excellent underlying numbers. The comments in this thread about a decline are a little ridiculous. He might not be at his absolute best, but not many players in the league are at any one time, and probably half of Team Canada is going to be in the same boat. A quick decline is always possible at this age, but there's really no reason to speculate on it unless it shows up next year.

 

[Regal]

so whos not a C: Crosby, Point, Bergeron, ROR?

To be honest I could see all but Crosby moved to wing.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Here's a radical idea:

McDavid - Crosby - MacKinnon

 

[Puckstuff]

Crosby-McDavid-Huberdeau
Barzal-Mackinnon-Stone
Marchand-Point-Marner
ROR-Danault-Bergeron

 

[The Moose is Loose]

He should be a right winger for Canada in the top 6

 

[Ace of Hades]

Huberdeau-McDavid-MacKinnon
Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron
Point-Barzal-Stamkos
ROR-Couturier-Stone
Ex: Schiefele

 

[jetsforever]

Crosby and McDavid
MacK either an elite 3C or a winger

 

[bobholly39]

No.

McDavid will slot above him, so will Crosby. I think he'd do better on the wing with McDavid. And they're sure to try the Crosby/Bergeron/Marchand line again, and i can't imagine that's not top 2.

 

[Paul4587]

I would personally move McDavid to wing before MacKinnon. He’s basically a hybrid wing/centre as is where as MacKinnon I think is more of an exclusive centre.

McDavid MacKinnon X (maybe Stone if he can keep up?)
Marchand Crosby Bergeron

 

[Mickey Marner]

Yes, of course. If anything, it would make more sense to shift McDavid to the wing if you didn't want one of 29/87/97 playing "3C".

 

[Buck Naked]

Getting gosebumps from thinking of that Barzal - McDavid - MacKinnon line.

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

40 points in his last 25 po games....

 

[High five Tom]

Discussing career averages is silly. Bergeron peaked a couple years ago and has definitely lost a step since then. I don’t expect him to revert to form as a guy going on 37 years old next year.

He was on pace for a career high in goals and points.

 

[GreeningOil]

Fastest line in hockey history?

It would make me happy!

 

[GreeningOil]

Here's a radical idea:

McDavid - Crosby - MacKinnon

I like your style

 

[DowJones]

Seems like no brainer imo.

But if Canada plays Sweden I rather see Fleury and Price as the top centers.

 

[BannedFromCDC]

Huberdeau-McDavid-MacKinnon
Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron
Stamkos-Scheifele-Marner
Couturier-O'Reilly-Stone
Tavares
Point

 

[Hynh]

I don't really care what number you slot him at but he should be a centre and not a wing.

Huberdeau-McDavid-Stone
Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron
X-MacKinnon-Point
ROR-Couturier-Barzal

 

[Bob Barker]

He was on pace for a career high in goals and points.

You can argue his current effectiveness, but this is not true.