Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Yup, the purpose of the 4th line isn't to generate offence - any players that can generate offense will move up the roster. The reason good teams use grinders like this is that it wears down the other teams' defense - creating more opportunity for your offensive guys to generate said offense.
I know a lot of fans would rather see young guys getting a chance, but there is a reason all good NHL coaches disagree with you.
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I disagree. The fourth line has to be able to produce, otherwise it will be a complete liability.
Look at Tampa. They have had guys like Maroon and Perry on their 4th line. They still fill a checking roll, but they are capable of producing. Same goes for Toronto. Simmonds and Aube-Kubel can actually produce.
The NHL still has a lot of parity. The difference between 10 point 4th liners and 25 point 4th liners can't be understated.
Yes, the primary purpose of the fourth line is to wear down opponents. But they have to be able to produce as well. There's a reason that guys like Raitis Ivanans (18 points in 282 games) are always on losing teams.