The NHL has had its share of stars and superstars all through historical past. A few of these gamers have been capable of single-handedly impression a recreation, win a playoff collection, even flip a corporation round. However what’s even higher than having one in every of these gamers? Having two of them, after all.
Whether or not it was the quantity Stanley Cup’s gained, the person accolades between the 2 gamers, the group’s general success, or the spectacular quantity of level totals, there are a selection of duos in NHL historical past that accomplished really exceptional feats.
Whereas there are lots of to select from, listed here are the top-ten finest duos of all time within the NHL’s lengthy historical past and what they had been capable of accomplish collectively.
Be aware: The “Mixed Awards” solely contains the trophies gained whereas the gamers had been on the identical group.
10) Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl
Mixed Awards: 4 Hart Memorial Trophies, 5 Lester B Pearson Trophies, 6 Artwork Ross Trophies.
It’s tough to guage comparatively new gamers in relation to the annals of historical past, particularly for a league as previous because the NHL. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply that you could’t perceive true greatness as you see it occurring on the ice. At present, there is no such thing as a higher instance of this than the pairing of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid for the Edmonton Oilers.
Sure, it’s nonetheless early of their careers, however what these two have finished collectively within the common season is baffling. Since McDavid first took the ice in 2015, they’ve been offensive dynamos, posting a mixed 12 100-point seasons regardless of solely enjoying a full 82 video games collectively as soon as. Since McDavid entered the league, Draisaitl has scored 841 factors in 682 video games, whereas McDavid has posted 982 in 645 video games. These are each staggering numbers, which ought to solely develop as they proceed enjoying alongside one another.
They’ve additionally already gained a profession’s value of trophies, with McDavid knocking down three Hart Trophies, 4 Lest B. Pearson Awards, and 5 Artwork Ross Trophies because the highest-scoring participant within the NHL. For his half, Draisaitl has one in every of every of those Trophies, showcasing that he’s greater than pulling his personal weight on this relationship.
Whereas they’ve but to say a Stanley Cup, the 2022 postseason was a little bit of a coming-out social gathering for these superstars. Regardless of solely reaching the Western Convention Remaining, they nonetheless led all gamers in factors scored, with McDavid posting 33 and Draisaitl scoring 32. This was simply the beginning of their playoff story, because the Oilers proceed to construct a contending group round these gamers.
Relying on how Edmonton handles issues, there’s potential for these two stars to terrorize the league for the higher a part of the following decade. If this occurs, anticipate them to proceed transferring up this record, as they are going to be profitable extra awards, gaining extra recognition, and sooner or later, perhaps even hoisting the Stanley Cup.
9) Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg
Mixed Awards: 2 Stanley Cups, 2 Hart Memorial Trophies, 1 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1 Artwork Ross Trophy, 1 Lester B. Pearson Trophy, 1 Girl Byng Memorial Trophy and 1 Calder Memorial Trophy.
It’s exhausting to consider the Colorado Avalanche and never consider Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. From 1994-95 to 2003-04, after which as soon as once more in 2007-08, these two future Corridor of Famers dominated the league collectively. It might be argued that they had been helped by star-studded rosters together with Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Patrick Roy, Ray Bourque and Milan Hejduk (to call just a few), however these two had been the leaders on that group.
Though accidents would later derail his dominant profession, Peter Forsberg was an elite offensive participant who modified the notion of European gamers. Usually considered smooth, Forsberg performed a mode fairly reverse, utilizing his physique to not solely shield the puck but in addition to put the occasional devastating physique examine.
Sakic, however, stays some of the elite gamers to have performed within the NHL. Recognized for his world-class launch, “Burnaby Joe” was a constant aim scorer and an incredible chief. He performed his total 20-year NHL profession with the Avalanche group, together with seven with the Quebec Nordiques.
The longtime Avalanche captain nonetheless leads the franchise in video games performed (1,378), objectives scored (625), assists (1,016), factors (1,641) and plenty of different stats, Forsberg leads in plus/minus with a staggering plus-210.
Regardless of enjoying in the course of the Useless Puck Period, Sakic and Forsberg mixed for 557 objectives, 1,076 assists and 1,633 factors in simply 1,327 video games. Whereas groups had been worrying about one participant, the opposite one had already scored.
After Forsberg’s retirement, Sakic had glowing recollections of his star teammate, “As soon as he stepped on the ice, he was going to play his manner, the best way he knew and he did that. He’s undoubtedly an enormous power on this recreation. For his time, when he performed, there was no one higher, with the imaginative and prescient, hockey sense, the playmaking capability and the power.”
The 2 led the group to Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001. That 1995-96 season was one to recollect, with Sakic scoring 51 objectives and 120 factors and Forsberg including 30 objectives and 116 factors in simply his second season. Remarkably, they didn’t win any common season particular person awards for his or her efforts, largely because of a participant by the identify of Mario Lemieux. However we’ll get to him.
8) Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
Mixed Awards: 3 Stanley Cups, 3 Hart Memorial Trophies, 3 Conn Smythe Awards, 4 Artwork Ross Trophies, 2 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, 4 Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay Awards, 1 Mark Messier NHL Management Award and 1 Calder Memorial Trophy.
These two could not keep on this place for very lengthy, as they’re the one energetic pair on the record. From 2006-07 on, the pair of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been terrifying opposing groups.
Since getting into the league, the pair have solely performed for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby had his rookie season simply earlier than Malkin got here to city. Crosby has put up loopy numbers in his time, with 592 objectives and 1,004 assists for 1,596 factors in 1,272 video games. That’s 1.25 factors per recreation.
Malkin is true there as effectively, although. In 1,145 video games, he has 498 objectives, 798 assists and 1,296 factors. That’s somewhat bit lower than Crosby, at 1.13 factors per recreation. But, nonetheless a monstrous charge.
Previous to each gamers being on the group, the Penguins had not made the playoffs in 4 straight seasons. Enter Crosby and Malkin, and so they made the postseason 16 straight seasons. That included 4 journeys to the Stanley Cup Remaining, profitable three Cups. The 4 journeys to the Remaining are probably the most of any group since they’ve been within the league. Plus, their back-to-back Cups in 2016 and 2017 was the primary time a group repeated because the winner for the reason that Detroit Crimson Wings in 1997 and 1998.
What’s most spectacular about this duo, is that their time isn’t over. The 2 are nonetheless pushing ahead with the Penguins and the competitors between them to be higher continues to drive them.
“It’s good competitors between me and Sid,” Malkin stated to NHL.com. “If Sid scores, I wish to rating two. If Sid [gets] yet another, oh, I wish to rating yet another too. If Sid scores hat trick, I cease.”
That final half was a joke, after all. Taking a look at their level totals by way of the years, the 2 have made some good competitors for themselves. Crosby has topped 100 factors six instances in his profession, whereas Malkin has 3 times. They’ve each hit the 50-goal plateau as soon as, with Crosby popping out one forward, 51 objectives to 50 for profession highs. As talked about, these two aren’t finished but, making it all of the extra spectacular.
7) Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull
Mixed Awards: 1 Stanley Cup, 4 Hart Memorial Trophies, 7 Artwork Ross Trophies, and three Girl Byng Memorial Trophies. (Bobby Hull additionally led the league in aim scoring seven instances of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy).
Whereas enjoying along with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1958-59 to 1971-72, Hull and Stan Mikita rewrote the franchise document books. The 2 turned unstoppable collectively, nonetheless standing atop quite a few franchise information.
Mikita leads the franchise in video games performed (1,396), assists (926), and factors (1,467), whereas Hull stands alone within the aim column (604). Of their 13 full seasons collectively, they simply gained the one Stanley Cup, however they reached the Remaining on three different events, falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs as soon as and the Montreal Canadiens twice.
Previous to the 2 being on the group, the Blackhawks had not reached the playoffs in 5 straight seasons and made it simply 3 times within the earlier 16 seasons. With the duo on the group, they missed the postseason simply as soon as.
The 2 complimented one another so effectively. Hull was a pure goal-scorer, with a booming shot that will terrify goaltenders. He had 5 50-plus-goal seasons, capped off by a 58-goal season in 1968-69. Mikita was the playmaker on the group, seeming to do every part proper on a nightly foundation. He nonetheless leads the franchise in plus/minus as a plus-329.
Associated: Stan Mikita: A True Chicago Legend
After Hull’s passing in 2018, Mikita spoke to reporters about his different half. Within the interview, he was requested about two hardly ever enjoying on the identical line, one thing that led many followers to suppose they didn’t get alongside.
“That wasn’t the case in any respect,” Mikita advised the Chicago Tribune. “The rationale was that we each favored to deal with the puck. I needed it between the blue strains, and he needed to have it wherever he thought he might get into place for that nice shot of his.” (From: “Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull shaped particular bond with Blackhawks” –Chicago Tribune –Aug. 7, 2018).
Exterior the Blackhawks area, the United Middle, statues of Hull and Mikita stand tall. Identical to they did on the ice for over a decade.
6) Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr
Mixed Awards: 2 Stanley Cups, 2 Hart Memorial Trophies, 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, 6 Artwork Ross Trophies, 2 Lester B. Pearson Trophies, 1 Invoice Masterton Trophy. (Mario Lemieux additionally led the league in aim scoring as soon as of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy).
From 1990-91 to 1996-97 after which once more 2000-01, Penguins followers got the chance to look at not only one, however two of the best gamers to ever play the sport. Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr are two of the very best all-time gamers and for seven seasons, they performed collectively in Pennsylvania.
It appears loopy that for the seven seasons they performed collectively, there weren’t extra awards gained. The 2 Hart Memorial Trophies had been gained by Lemieux in 1992-93 and 1995-96, together with 4 of the Artwork Ross Trophies. When Lemieux retired for the 1997-98 to 1999-00 seasons, Jagr gained the Artwork Ross Trophy yearly, in addition to two Lester B. Pearson Trophies and a Hart Trophy.
What meaning, if that from 1991-92 till 2000-01, both Lemieux or Jagr gained the Artwork Ross Trophy each season besides one. In 1993-94, Wayne Gretzky gained the trophy.
Lemieux, a first-overall decide of the Penguins in 1984, is arguably among the finest gamers in NHL historical past. At 6-foot-4, 200 kilos, Lemieux was recognized for his capability to make use of his measurement to his benefit, measurement which helped him attain eighth-place on the all-time scoring record.
Associated: The 5 Biggest Hockey Gamers Ever
His dynamic associate, Jagr, performed an analogous model of hockey to Lemieux. Jagr, who’s at the moment second all-time in factors, is called a menace behind the aim line, utilizing his measurement and power to defend the puck from his opponents.
Though Lemieux’s dominance started in 1984, it wasn’t till 1990 when Jagr made his Penguins debut. The outcome? Instantaneous success. The Penguins gained two consecutive Stanley Cups within the 1991 and 1992 seasons whereas Lemieux took residence back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophies. Profitable back-to-back Stanley Cups has solely been finished twice since, as talked about above, by the Crimson Wings in 1997 and 1998 and the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
5) Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier
Mixed Awards: 4 Stanley Cups, 1 Hart Memorial Trophy, 2 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1 Artwork Ross Trophy, 3 Girl Byng Memorial Trophies, and 1 Calder Memorial Trophy. (Mike Bossy additionally led the league in aim scoring twice of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy).
We’re into the top-five dynamic duos of all time now, and also you’ll discover one of many numbers within the “Mixed Awards” actually begin to leap up right here. From 1977-78 to 1986-87, the New York Islanders maintained among the finest dynasties in NHL historical past, led by Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier.
Throughout their time collectively, the duo and the Islanders gained 4 straight Stanley Cups between 1980 and 1983. The truth is, these are the group’s solely Stanley Cups so far.
Within the ten seasons that they performed collectively, Bossy was a person on fireplace, scoring 573 objectives, 553 assists for 1,126 factors in 752 video games. The objectives are nonetheless a franchise document. He piled on the objectives in his time, with 5 seasons of over 60, capped by the franchise-leading 69 in 1978-79. His first 9 NHL seasons completed with over 50 objectives, an NHL document that also stands. Of his 10 seasons, seven of them noticed him gather over 117 factors.
In that very same time, Trottier wasn’t far behind Bossy, scoring 378 objectives, 657 assists and 1,035 factors in 758 video games. Beginning with the Islanders earlier than and enjoying after Bossy, Trottier nonetheless holds the franchise information for video games (1,123), assists (853) and factors (1,353).
At simply 30 years previous, Bossy didn’t play the 1987-88 season as a consequence of looking for medical assist for a persistent again damage. A yr later he formally retired.
In a letter to his youthful self, Bossy touched on the connection that he and Trottier had. His personal phrases are higher than every other description of what these two had.
“[Trottier is] the entire hockey participant, and also you’re going to develop such an unbelievable chemistry with him that you just guys gained’t be capable of preserve a leftwinger. They’ll all the time complain that you just and Bryan are simply passing the puck forwards and backwards to at least one one other. It’s form of true. Nevertheless it works. In some unspecified time in the future, you’ll inform Bryan, ‘You don’t have to see me, simply my stick. So long as you possibly can see my stick, put it there.’”
There’s no query that this duo is among the finest in historical past, however there are a whole lot of questions. Think about if Bossy continued enjoying? How far up the document books would he have gone? Might he and Trottier have introduced one other Cup to the franchise? He performed simply 10 seasons, however he and Trottier had been capable of do one thing really particular with the time they’d.
4) Ted Lindsay and Gordie Howe
Mixed Awards: 4 Stanley Cups, 3 Hart Memorial Trophies, and 6 Artwork Ross Trophies. (Gordie Howe additionally led the league in aim scoring 4 instances of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Ted Lindsay led the league as soon as).
When speaking about probably the most dynamic duos in NHL historical past, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay must be close to the highest. They’re arguably the unique dynamic duo, enjoying collectively from 1946-47 to 1956-57 after which for yet another season in 1964-65.
Howe, also referred to as “Mr. Hockey”, was precisely that in his 26-season NHL and 32-year skilled hockey profession. In an incredible 25 seasons with the Detroit Crimson Wings alone, Howe turned recognized for his offence in addition to his bodily play, changing into well-known for incomes the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick”, culminating a aim, an help and a battle.
Till Gretzky got here alongside, Howe was the all-time chief in objectives, with 801. He nonetheless sits second on that record. He’s additionally tenth in assists (1,049) and fourth in factors (1,850).
As a duo, Lindsay and Howe led the Crimson Wings to Stanley Cup titles in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955. The contributions of each Lindsay and Howe to the NHL had been so nice the truth is, that they’re each within the Hockey Corridor of Fame and Lindsay at the moment has the NHL’s award for Most Excellent Participant as decided by the NHLPA named in his honour.
The 2 had been half of what’s often known as the “Manufacturing Line,” additionally together with Sid Abel, after which Alex Delvecchio when Abel was traded. The unique line continues to be the one line in NHL historical past to complete one, two and three in league scoring. It was in 1949-50 when Lindsay gained the Artwork Ross Trophy with a career-high 78 factors, Abel completed second with 69 factors and Howe proper behind him with 68.
Associated: Phantom Sniper Fires Up Crimson Wings’ “Horrible Ted”
If there’s one factor that may set the very best duos away from the remainder, it’s the flexibility to know the place the opposite is on the ice with out even trying. Lindsay and Howe had that, as Lindsay penned in a 1957 version of Hockey Blueline journal.
“I can honestly say that I can move with out trying and 9 instances out of ten Gordie shall be proper there to take it. It’s the identical factor with me, I simply appear to know what Gord’s going to do and more often than not I’m fortunate sufficient to be there for the move.”
Howe and Lindsay had an immense impression on the sport, each on and off the ice. They set information, and Lindsay even helped to create the NHLPA that’s recognized at the moment. Some could even have them larger on this record for his or her mark left on the NHL to at the present time.
3) Maurice and Henri Richard
Mixed Awards: 5 Stanley Cups.
That’s not a typo, that does learn 5 Stanley Cups. Much more spectacular? Brothers Maurice and Henri Richard performed collectively for the Montreal Canadiens from 1955-56 to 1959-60. Be happy to rely that out in your hand – it’s 5 seasons. With the Richard brothers within the lineup, the group went an ideal five-for-five with the Stanley Cup. The 5 consecutive profitable seasons continues to be a document that stands at the moment.
Contemplating the profession these two had and the truth that they gained each Stanley Cup whereas they performed collectively, it’s unbelievable that they don’t have particular person {hardware} from this time. However there was some spectacular competitors again then. Howe took three Hart Trophies and an Artwork Ross Trophy, Dickie Moore gained two Artwork Ross Trophies, and Jean Beliveau gained each a Hart and Artwork Ross Trophy whereas main the league in objectives twice. There was a whole lot of expertise within the ’50s.
The brothers could have solely performed for 5 seasons collectively, however they’d lengthy careers that left their mark on the historical past books. Maurice performed for the Canadiens for 18 seasons, and Henri performed for 20. These 5 seasons collectively marked the final 5 of Maurice’s profession and the primary 5 of Henri’s.
Maurice stays the all-time objectives chief for the franchise, with 544 objectives. He’s recognized by the hockey world because the “Rocket” and for the award now named after him awarded to the participant who scores probably the most objectives within the common season. The elder Richard turned the primary NHL participant to attain 500 objectives and 50 in a season –which he did in 50 video games in 1944-45.
Henri leads the duo in video games performed, with 1,258. Whereas he didn’t have the goal-scoring skills like his brother, the “Pocket Rocket” continues to be one of many Canadiens all-time greats. He was extra of a playmaker and completed his profession beating his brother in assists (688) and factors (1,046). He beat his brother, and the remainder of the NHL, in Stanley Cups too. He gained 11 of them, to Maurice’s eight.
The impression that the Rocket and the Pocket Rocket had on the Canadiens and the league is immense. The 2 gamers marked the top of 1 period and the bigging of one other – each equally profitable. Their assembly in the course of 5 straight Stanley Cups is an unprecedented feat that may be very unlikely to ever be matched.
2) Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr
Mixed Awards: 2 Stanley Cups, 5 Hart Memorial Trophies, 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, 7 Artwork Ross Trophies, 8 James Norris Trophies, and three Lester B. Pearson Awards. (Phil Esposito additionally led the league in aim scoring six instances of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy).
Alright, Boston Bruins’ Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr could have gained solely two Stanley Cups collectively, however did you check out these different numbers? When speaking about pure dominance as a duo, Esposito and Orr are two of the very best in historical past.
The 2 greats performed collectively for the Boston Bruins from 1967-68 to 1975-76 (eight seasons). Now check out these awards once more. Orr gained the Norris Trophy each season and led the league in factors twice, whereas Esposito led the league in aim scoring six instances and factors 5 instances. All whereas Orr gained three Hart Trophies and Esposito gained two. They ran the league.
Esposito was an enormous and robust centreman who turned often known as probably the most prolific aim scorer in NHL historical past on the time. His 76 in 1970-71 set a brand new league document. That mark continues to be the fifth-best for one season. Esposito completed his profession with 717 objectives, nonetheless sixth all-time. Of these objectives, 495 got here whereas enjoying with Orr and the Bruins. He additionally had six seasons out of seven of over 126 factors, together with 5 straight.
However, Bobby Orr redefined the definition of an NHL defenseman. His clean skating alongside his implausible scoring skills made him among the finest in historical past and stays the benchmark of an offensive defenseman to at the present time.
Associated: Bobby Orr’s Landmark Season
He’s the one participant to win the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe, Hart, Artwork Ross and Norris Trophies in a single season (1969-70). He’s the one NHL defenseman to have 9 hat tips in his profession and in 1970-71 set single-season information for assists (102), factors by a defenseman (139) and plus/minus score (plus-124). Whereas Esposito was on his run of over 100-points seasons, Orr did too with six straight over 101 factors.
As Esposito stated, “All that Bobby did was change the face of hockey all by himself.”
The 1968-69 season was the true starting of this nice duo, as each gamers exploded, having fun with career-best seasons. Though, they’d break these highs very quickly. As people, each gamers had been distinctive, but when each had been on the ice collectively, they and the Bruins as a complete had been a dominant power.
1) Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri
Mixed Awards: 4 Stanley Cups, 7 Hart Memorial Trophies, 2 Conn Smyth Trophies, 8 Artwork Ross Trophies, 5 Lester B. Pearson Trophies, and three Girl Byng Memorial Trophies. (Wayne Gretzky additionally led the league in aim scoring 5 instances of their time collectively, previous to the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Jari Kurri led the league as soon as).
Now, to be fully clear, Jari Kurri solely gained a kind of awards: – a Girl Byng in 1984-85. However let’s face it, if you’re within the league with Gretzky, not many others are going to win awards. From 1980-81 to 1987-88 with the Edmonton Oilers and 1991-92 to 1995-96 with the Los Angeles Kings, these two stars ran the league.
There must be no query that the Gretzky-Kurri connection is the very best duo in NHL historical past. A part of that’s as a result of most all-time NHL lists have Gretzky on the high of them, however the principle cause is the magic that these two gamers had on the ice.
Gretzky is the very best participant to ever play the sport. Taking a look at his statistics, it isn’t even shut. He nonetheless leads the league in all-time objectives (894), assists (1,963) and factors (2,857). Whereas enjoying with Kurri, he set quite a lot of single-season information as effectively. There are manner too many to record (He owns or shares 61 league information), however from when the duo was collectively, Gretzky set information for many objectives (92), assists (163) and factors (215) in a single season.
The duo is principally recognized for his or her time with the Oilers. With them each on the group, Gretzky performed a few of his finest hockey, not simply getting over 100 factors every season, however his lowest whole was 149 factors. He crossed 200 4 instances. He additionally had over 100 assists every season.
Kurri crossed the 100-point plateau 5 instances, in consecutive seasons. His finest season was in 1984-85 when he had 71 objectives, 64 assists and 135 factors in 73 video games.
Whereas Gretzky was racking up the factors, Kurri was his largest contributor, helping on 196 of Gretzky’s objectives. Bear in mind, quantity 99 was additionally an elite playmaker, and he proved that by helping on 364 of Kurry’s objectives.
Kurri was largely overshadowed by quantity 99, but he nonetheless made his mark on the historical past books. Clearly, Gretzky leads the objectives, assists and level classes for the Oilers, however Kurri is true close to the highest. He’s second all-time objectives (474) and factors (1,043) and third in assists (569).
There aren’t many individuals who haven’t heard of “The Nice One,” however Kurri is a lesser-known celebrity. So far as Gretzky was involved, there wasn’t one participant higher than the opposite, they had been a tandem, “We figured we might rating 9 out of 10 instances,” Gretzky stated years after enjoying. “Regardless of the place I put the puck, on Jari’s stick, in his toes … he’d snap it.”
There are lots of that say Gretzky and Mark Messier had been the higher tandem, and there would undoubtedly be a case for that. Nevertheless, the efficiency that Gretzky and Kurri placed on the ice night time in and night time out is by far the higher pairing. It is vitally probably that their output won’t ever be matched.
Honourable Mentions (In No Explicit Order):
- Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier
- Serge Savard and Larry Robinson
- Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane
- Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry
- Henrik and Daniel Sedin`
- Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer
- Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis
- John LeClair and Eric Lindros
- Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk
- Steve Shutt and Man Lafleur
- Brett Hull and Adam Oates
Statistics from hockey-reference.com.
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