In a short tournament where an early loss puts you behind the eight ball, teams must find chemistry quickly to score early and often.
Here are three line combinations we've seen come together in a hurry at the World Cup:
Marchand/Crosby/Bergeron (Canada)
It's not easy to find chemistry with a superstar, but the Bruins' duo of Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron has done so alongside Sidney Crosby, forming Canada's top line.
In Canada's opening 6-0 win over the Czech Republic, the trio recorded seven points, with all three finding the back of the net. They also combined for 12 of Canada's 50 shots on Michal Neuvirth.
The line offers three unique flavors, from Crosby's puck skills, to Bergeron's defensive prowess, to Marchand's ability to get under the opposition's skin.
Matthews/McDavid/Scheifele (North America)
Auston Matthews didn't wait long to showcase himself to his new city. Barely five minutes into his first game at the Air Canada Centre, he set up Jack Eichel to open the scoring against Finland. In his second act, Matthews got North America on the board 5:14 into the game versus Russia.
The 19-year-old was just two days removed from being in the same draft class and conversation as 2015 top picks Connor McDavid and Eichel. All three are the next wave of NHL superstars.
That's not to forget Mark Scheifele, whose size creates space for Matthews and McDavid. He's also picked up an assist along the way.
Ovechkin/Datsyuk/Kucherov (Russia)
Pavel Datsyuk is done with the NHL, but, as we've see at the World Cup, he isn't done with hockey. Through two games, the veteran center has grabbed a pair of assists, while linemate Alex Ovechkin has a goal and an assist to his credit.
In their tournament opener against Sweden, Ovechkin's late surge nearly powered Russia to overtime, as he brought the nation within a goal with 33 seconds left. He scored again 26 seconds later, only to have it recalled after the puck made contact with his glove.
Winger Nikita Kucherov, who scored in Russia's 4-3 win over North America, completes the ensemble. He has a goal and three shots through two games.
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