Home ice advantages?

Question

Some of the benefits of home ice are intangible, but still real, but the one I want to know about is the home coach's privilege of getting the 'last change'.

How does that work, and why is it important?

Answer 1

Basically the Wings won't play the 4th line much after stoppages.  Probably only after Crosby shifts.  Don't think they would worry too much though.  Maltby is a good defensive forward and Helm has a lot of speed.

Answer 2

It means the home team pretty much gets the match ups they want.  If play is stopped, the away team has to put their new line on the ice first, then the home team gets to decide who they want to play against them. For example, Detroit has wanted to match the Datsyuk/Zetterberg line up with the Crosby line in this series and home ice gives them the opporitunity to do that.  For tonights game, they will not have that option.  If Detroit were to put the 4th line out their, the Pens could send Crosbys line out to try and finally get some scoring.

Answer 3

Normally I think that the last change is a huge advantage, especially if you're looking to match up against a visitng player.  However, since the conventional wisdom says that PIT wants to keep Crosby AWAY from Datsyuk/Zetterberg, it could work against Pittsburgh.  If Detroit plays those two a LOT, then either Crosby has to be out against them, or he doesn't get much ice time - both advtantages for Detroit.  If Babcock splits them up, then Crosby either has to play against one or the other a LOT, or play very little - both big advantages for Detroit.

Answer 4

It means that the visiting team has to put its players on the ice first, so the home coach can counter with whatever players he wants.  It is basically used for matchups, like getting your checkers out against the top line, or creating a mismatch by getting your scorers out against the opposing teams 4th line.