First line center

doodie · Veteran Member

First line center

Johab · Guru

Doodie, to defend ribeiro on that note " I think "I" could play center between Kovalev and Sammy " and any OTHER center who plays between these 2 highly skilled players. It is NOT the easiest thing to do. Kovalev is elite level. Sammy is semi elite. Ribs is and wasnt elite or even close to. A #1 center is a guy who you can pots 30 goals and 50 assists on RIGHT AWAY without having to worry about him producing. He can do it on any team. Ovechkin/crosby/jagr/thornton/Sakic/Kovalchuk. A second line center is someone who is capable of prodicing good numbers as a compliment to the #1 centers. Not to MATCH his, but to compliment it, make it hard for the other team to decide which line to focus in on more ( most teams do not have the capability of having two #1 defensemen to watch every shift like the Ducks. Saku fits the #2 spot perfect. HE is capable of playing against the best and in my opinion is teir 2 elite BUT he would be much better as a #2 with power play time and pk time. What we NEED is a guy to come in ( power forward ) and take some scoring responsibility off saku's shoulders. He CANNOT do it by himself and he CANNOT motivate kovalev for eVERY game. Unfortunately we need a player who plays game in and game out with a Begin's "never quit" state of mind

barry33 · Guru

In my mind a first line center is alot of things. He is a "stud horse" who can play alot of minutes without wearing down, and can play on the PP and the PK as well. He needs to have size and speed and he needs to SCORE. Now not neccessarily goals, but he has to help make the first line lethal, not just effective. Now..you will ask me, who I think ultimate first line centers are in this league?

Joe Thornton, 29-95-125 Syd the Kid 39-63-102 Jason Spezza 19-71-90 Brad Richards 23-61-91

Honorable Mentions go to Oli Jokkinen, Joe Sakic (when in his prime) Stevey Y (smaller but effective) Mats Sundin (who has had a revolving door of linemates), and Eric Staal.

These guys have the potential to totally dominate every time they are out there and usually do. But, as you can see when you look at this list, these guys are rare and hard to get. In Gainey we trust.

Paolo · Member

A first line center is a player who can do ALL of the following, not one or 2:

1) win a majority of face offs. The expectation is approximately 51%. There are only a handful of guys who win more than 60%.

2) Play a strong game in the defensive zone as well as in the offensive zone. That means being able to play behind BOTH nets, which takes a very strong skater, and someone who is in very good shape. That automatically exludes ribiero for the balance of his career. The center is the player who is expected to be the first back checker. If you cant do that....you cant log 20 minutes a game.

3) Log at least 20 minutes a game every game they play. No exceptions.

4) Being able to double shift...so when you finish your shift witht he fourth line you are still on for another 35 seconds with the first line. Again, it takes a superior physical player, excluding ribiero.

5) Have the vision to make your line mates better and find open space for these team mates when passing.

6) A point per game, minimum, no exceptions, which is redundant if you can do the previous 5.

McHab · Newbie

Very short definition: a first line centre makes those around him play better.

Ando · Guru

...by anyones definition above, the Habs need such a centre!

LONNNGGGGG overdue!!!