Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
There will never be agreement on this because there are differing views on what the "4th Line" should be.
The "Traditional 4th line": Physical, low event veterans that aren't going to score, and hopefully just don't get scored on. Just go grind the puck in the corner for your 45 second shift and then get off the ice.
vs.
The "Modern 4th Line": Generally a mix of a veteran, and younger skilled players that will play a more sheltered role but might be able to contribute offensively. (Mangiapane-Ryan-Hathaway is a great example of this)
There are pros and cons to each of these options. The traditional 4th line tends to be the safer option, but I think longer them the more modern 4th line is more effective and is better at working young players into the lineup.
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Thinking back to the 2004 team, the 3rd/4th lines would often be used to get Iginla extra shifts (Oliwa generally playing 4-5 mins a night giving Iggy an extra shift or two each period).
Thinking out loud here, but I think it's a good option to explore if it means spreading the skill a bit more through the top 9
Gaudreau-Lindholm-(Coleman/trade*)
Mangiapane-Monahan-Tkachuk (3M v 3.0)
Lucic-Backlund-(Coleman/trade)
Remaining 3 forwards:
1. Swiss army knife (e.g. Marcus Johansson, Kris Versteeg, etc.) Dubé/Lucic would actually fit this role pretty well if we managed to add to the top 9.
2. PK specialist (probably Lewis from this roster)
3. 7th D/rover type (would have tried Kylington here before he earned a real spot) or just a grinder/wildcard player (Phillips)
It means bringing the blender out a bit more, but it would mean we almost always have threats on the ice 5v5 (or the Backlund shutdown line)
Lewis-Dubé- _____ (Tkachuk most often)
*most likely a middle 6 winger, but imagine Giroux in that spot (full NMC = unlikely).
The team has also been remarkably healthy so far, with Coleman being the only top 9 forward to miss a game (game 1 = suspension). I don't love bumping Lewis into the top 9 (maybe that would actually be the case for Phillips to get a look)...we will definitely need another forward for this condensed stretch run.