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For Fotze.

Without the puck, the Center has significant responsibility down low in the Dzone, defensively. He is like a 3rd defenceman. Wingers are important also but centers defend the opposition closer to their net. Ergo..more important.

With the puck in the D and neutral centers are very important in being back hard and close to the puck and teammates with the puck. They have to focus on proper " receiving angles" and " being an option more than once". In simple terms they have to be smart and tenacious puck supporters.

Centers create offensive separation by acquiring the puck with short passes and their first 2 steps with the puck. Controlling the midice corridor offensively and being able to have the vision to distribute to open players/ ice on either side is paramount on line rush attacks. Joe Sakic was sensational at this.

Faceoffs.

Generally, centers work with the 2 pointmen in PP situations in the 3 high format in the offensive zone.( the norm in the NHL) This is primarily attributable to their vision and ability to make plays when attacking net at high speed.