Also loop in the size of the pendants on this decision...if the island is free of stove..sink...etc....2 larger statement pendants may be enough...if there are very high ceilings requiring long hanging wires less pendants and more can lights may be better visually...if there will be a lot going on ...on the island ....3 smaller ...less obtrusive ...maybe clear glass pendants may function better...

Absolutely, the size (including width) of the pendants is also a factor.

Wow, I've never heard anybody advocate lighting that's not centered on a sink! You just push it forward a bit so that your body doesn't create a shadow.

There will be a stove top in the center of the island and we have 8 foot ceilings.

Depending on the line of lights, cabinets and any other obstructions, sometimes you can't move the lights out of line so placing them on either side works fine. Unfortunately, trying to provide a simple answer for one case without explaining assumptions can seem like a complication. Sorry if there was any confusion.

The depth of the island is also important to know...affecting placement and size of pendants

With the stove in the center two pendants centered on the stove about 3-4 feet apart ....as large a size as looks right ...and at least 150 total watts per light...should be sufficient focal lighting...assuming there are other light sources that are sufficient to supplement overall lighting...