Two pairs of young line-mates have been off to scorching starts to the NHL season:
Winnipeg Jets
–Patrik Laine: 3 Goals, 9 Assists
–Mark Scheifele: 4 Goals, 8 Assists
Edmonton Oilers
–Connor McDavid: 4 Goals, 8 Assists
–Leon Draisaitl: 4 Goals, 8 Assists
The four players are each tied for the NHL lead in points with 12.
McDavid and Draisaitl have done it in 6 games thus far, leading their team to a 5-1 record, good enough for first place in the Pacific Division.
Laine and Scheifele have needed 8 games to reach the 12 point mark, with the Jets coming in at a 4-4 record. The two have benefitted from playing with recently acquired James Neal, who leads the league with 8 goals.
It will be interesting to see if both pairs can keep up this torrid pace (or close to it) for the remainder of the season. I fully expect each of these young stars to finish in the top ten in scoring this season.
I would be surprised, however, if Edmonton finished ahead of Winnipeg in the West. I think the Jets have more depth at this point and will finish with a better record.