Elite defense pairings in the NHL are difficult to create. Combining two talented defensemen doesn’t guarantee success. Sometimes illogical pairings work well. To understand what makes a great defense pair in the NHL, we analyzed recent pairings’ similarities and differences. The following is a breakdown of our findings on this elite group.
Defining “elite” defense pairs in the NHL means looking at pairs with more than 1,000 minutes of 5v5 ice time since 2021-22, posting shots for and expected goals for percentages above 50% with them on the ice, and individual metrics better than their team’s average.
Out of 13 defense pairs who met these qualifications, most included a right-handed and a left-handed shot defenseman. The majority had one offensive-minded and one defensive-focused player. Teams rarely put aggressive defensemen together due to the era of single-defenseman power plays.
However, an intriguing pair outside of this common framework is the Devils’ Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, both offensive threats. Other qualities such as size and age varied significantly and did not affect the consistency of elite defense pairs.
The similarities seen in elite defense pairs in the NHL reinforce conventional wisdom about pairing styles. Coaches will likely continue pairing their best offensive defensemen with defensive-minded veterans of opposite handedness based on this examination.
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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