I still hate how this gets awarded.
Bergeron is elite at keeping play in the offensive zone -- that is different than being a defensive stud. He plays with two other superstars; he starts in the offensive zone 60% of the time -- it's a lot easier to suppress the other's team play under those circumstances.
On his team, Nosek, Coyle, Craig Smith are the guys who get more of the tough defensive assignments and defensive zone starts. They play those tougher minutes so that Bergeron's line can destroy on the offensive end. These are the kinds of guys who should be recognized.
Quick Flames aside: As seen in the playoffs, Darryl actually uses Lindholm / Gaudreau / Tkachuk as the Flames' top shutdown line -- he would put them out for a large portion of defensive zone draws against McDrai. I would want him to learn from the Boston model and use lines 2-4 in the defensive end, and save the top line for easier offensive minutes.
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Gaudreau > Huberdeau AINEC
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