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New report reveals the untold secret behind Necas and MacKinnon's perfect chemistry
Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas duo has been dominant this season, their chemistry driving the Colorado Avalanche to the top of the NHL.
Many were worried that Necas would not be a good fit to MacKinnon like Mikko Rantanen was, but it's looking like they may be a much better match for one another.
MacKinnon and Necas continue to form the NHL's deadliest duo.
Ryan O'Hara of The Hockey News broke down the pure dominance these two players have had in the first two months of the NHL season.
With a quarter of the season complete, MacKinnon tops the NHL in points and goals, while Necas isn't far off, on track for a 100-point season.
"When Martin Necas first carved a path onto the ice as a newly minted member of the Colorado Avalanche, the synergy between him and Nathan MacKinnon appeared almost preordained-an intuitive, near-instant rapport more befitting linemates seasoned by years of collaboration than skaters acquainted for mere days." -O'Hara
Necas hasn't always had it easy, often struggling with the mental side of the game and facing criticism for overcomplicating plays, trying to do too much, and not shooting enough. But head coach Jared Bednar sees a breakout this season similar to what MacKinnon experienced years ago.
MacKinnon was once criticized for passing too much instead of taking shots himself, and Bednar wants Necas to follow the same path.
"It's got to be a balance (between playmaking and shooting). If he's seeing guys open and he can make the play and they can shoot it, great. Marty is such an elusive skater, he can kind of take whatever ice is given to him and he gets into the interior of the ice sometimes with his skating and we've got good traffic at the net and sometimes I don't think you need to look for much more than put it there.
I think he can score from distance; he's got a great shot, he can place it where he wants it, and if you have any type of screen or traffic, sometimes the best play is to deliver it to the net. I think it has to be a balance for him." -Bednar
I think he can score from distance; he's got a great shot, he can place it where he wants it, and if you have any type of screen or traffic, sometimes the best play is to deliver it to the net. I think it has to be a balance for him." -Bednar
Necas has started taking more shots, he has an elite shot and needs to use it when the opportunity arises.
It's not always easy to look away from the league's best player, but sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. MacKinnon did that and is now the NHL's goal leader.
Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily
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