Top First Defensive Pairings in the VHL

[JB123 728]

Top (First) Defense Pairs in the VHL - S79

As promised, today I'll be discussing some of the top defense pairs in the league right now, based on three main statistics: points, shots blocked and hits. These three statistics are cumulative between the two defenders on each pair. Pairs and statistics are as of the August 27 sim. Let's get into it! 

 

LOS ANGELES STARS 

Alex Letang - Jeffrey Pines

Points: 181

Shots Blocked: 325

Hits: 247

 

The first pairing of the LA Stars consists of superstars Alex Letang and Jeffrey Pines. Letang leads all defenders this season in points with an incredible 116. The dynamic duo has combined to score 181 points, most in the league by a first defense pair, by a lot (18 points). They also have the third-most shot blocks and tenth-most hits. 

 

WARSAW PREDATORS 

Victor Grachev - Tim Waters

Points: 160

Shots Blocked: 312

Hits: 270

 

Warsaw's back end is led by Victor Grachev and Tim Waters. Together, the pair has scored the third-most points among first pairs, is tied for fifth in blocked shots and has handed out the sixth-most hits. Grachev is third on his own in points among defenders with an excellent 99, behind Letang and Kristof Welch of the D.C. Dragons. 

 

D.C. DRAGONS  

Kristof Welch - Jiggly Gumballs

Points: 163

Shots Blocked: 304

Hits: 273

 

Two offseason acquisitions for the Dragons have formed an elite #1 D pair. Welch came to D.C. from Toronto in what was perhaps the biggest trade of the offseason, while Gumballs signed as a free agent with the Dragons. The pair has scored the second-most points, blocked the eighth-most shots and has recorded the fifth-most hits. Welch is second only to Letang in points for defenders with 101. Also worth mentioning is the fact that Welch has scored 30 goals as a D-man.

 

TORONTO LEGION 

Hulk Hogan Jr - Han Jae Kuk

Points: 128

Shots Blocked: 413

Hits: 279

 

Toronto's best defense pair is their only pair, but are they good. A solid shutdown pair, Hulk Hogan Jr and Han Jae Kuk have combined to block 413, yes 413, shots. This is the most by a first pair this season, 43 more than the Titans'. The Legion's top pair also have the fourth-most hits and seventh-most points. Han Jae Kuk is tied for seventh in points among defenders this season (78). 

 

PRAGUE PHANTOMS  

Battre Sandstrom - General Zod

Points: 127

Shots Blocked: 309

Hits: 361

 

Next up, Prague. Franchise defender Battre Sandstrom is now playing alongside General Zod, after Zod was traded from London at the deadline. The pair has the second-most hits behind Calgary's first pair. In addition, they have notched the eighth-most points as well as the seventh-most shot blocks. Sandstrom is tied for seventh with Kuk in points among defenders.

 

VANCOUVER WOLVES 

Robin Galante Nilsson - Javad Kamkar 

Points: 157

Shots Blocked: 312

Hits: 248

 

Vancouver's first pair of Robin Galante Nilsson and Javad Kamkar has served them well. Together they have managed to score 157 points, fourth-most; block 312 shots, tied for fifth; and give out 248 hits, ninth. Galante Nilsson leads defenders on the Wolves in all three scoring categories with 28 goals and 64 assists for 92 points. This puts Galante Nilsson in fourth place league-wide for defenders in points. 

 

That's all for this week. Hope you all enjoyed reading, and stay tuned as always since I'll be recapping some of the best VHL goaltending tandems this season very soon. Good luck to everyone in the playoffs!

 

Word Count: 580

 

 

 

 

 

[WHY_Bolts 16]

Great article. I love how you included blocks and hits as I believe they are a little more important for a defensemen than scoring. Hopefully one day, I can make it up there but I have a long way to go and a lot to learn.    10/10

[Prout 373]

Review: great article and I liked the stats added. I think you forgot a particular player named COWBOY PROUT! I think research needs to be done next time   great job with logos as well but due to you sleeping on the best Defencemen of all time in portal era you will only get a 1/100