Plain total points is such a terribly uninformative statistic. By this very superficial criteria, Koivu has been a legitimate first-line center in several of the years he played in Montreal.

But Plekanec’s 2.43 ESP/60 is an impressive number and worthy of first-line consideration — that’s something Koivu really hasn’t done well except the one year he was paired with Tanguay, and even then not to this level.

However, you’re missing the all-important question of whether Plekanec faces top opposition night in and night out — a crucial factor as to whether a guy can be considered a first-line center or not is whether he’s being used on a first line. This heavy lifting was being done by Gomez prior to his injury, and that fact was no stranger to Plekanec’s increased production. Points are nice, but it isn’t everything; when Ribeiro led the team in scoring, for example, the heavy lifting was done by Koivu, and since Ribs is in Dallas he’s been sheltered a bit behind Richards. It’s good on Plekanec that his production has continued despite facing tougher minutes, though, so maybe there’s something there. Historically, however, Gomez has been much better at this — which is what made him a first-line center, whereas it remains to be proved that Plekanec can be one.

Also worrying is Plekanec’s Corsi number (-11.39), one of the worst on the team, indicating that while the goals are falling in his favor, the puck possession game is not, so there may be a fair bit of luck in this year’s results for him. The recent collapse of Martin’s system, though, is not conductive to good Corsis.

So in short, on whether Plekanec is a legitimate first-line center — the jury’s out, and total points isn’t the right measure. In the long run, though, I think Gomez is more likely to be the guy.

This town has funny ideas about what it means to have a number one centre. Mathman’s response is just another case in point.

Really, heavy lifting or not, what matters is how Plekanec contributes to winning on this team. This season, as well as two seasons ago he has played a massive role in that regard.

What’s more, and I say this as a massive endorser of the Corsi. All stats must be taken with a grain of salt here. If you want your answer, just watch the guy. I’ll tell you what he’s been doing differently this year so far and that has been finding the middle of the ice on break-ins, rather than taking the easy way of being ushered around the boards into the corner. He has been braver and much more patient. if you want reason behind the rhyme of his “lucky” Corsi, you should look no furthr than this and other behaviours in the offensive zone.

I digress. My initial point was that Koivu was a top offensive centre, as is Plekanec. Gomez has been in the past and certainly has the skill to carry a line, so that is great for the Habs. #1, #2, #3 these are transient.

it’s a good question but still a question. he needs to show consistency. wait until the top checkers o the opposition play him regularly—like for another 30 games—then let’s see.