The fourth line?

Question

How much of a role do they have, and how have they contributed to your teams success or failure?

*Also, who is usually on the fourth line?

Answer 1

If they can play 10mins a game and have a even +/- then they are a huge factor in keeping your other lines fresh! You cant expect too much from them except energy and to not let the opposing teams 4th line score on you. Anything else is a bonus!

Answer 2

Some teams have the depth to run 4 lines and contribute nicely. IMO, a fourth line should be an energy line.. one that goes out and hits hard and works hard. Don't expect them to score.. just get out there be sound defensively and play with some intensity.

Top 2 lines should be offensive. These lines should not be 'coached' on what to do, the players are good enough.

Third line (the most important IMO) sbout be the line that plays the TOUGH minutes... what I mean by that is playing against another teams top line, going out after a goal being scored (have to stay composed and not get rattled), and still be able to create the odd scoring chance.

Answer 3

The Rangers' fourth line had been a combination of Colton Orr, Blair Betts, Ryan Hollweg, Ryan Callahan, and Fredrik Sjostrom, depending on who's in the lineup at the time.

They are often placed against the other teams' top lines, to try to hit them and play a puck possession game... to shut them down.  Generally, they did a pretty good job of it.  One of my biggest knocks on the Rangers this year was their lack of passion... and the fourth line is typically most passionate.  

Though, they do not score.  Ever.  With the addition of Sjostrom they've had a bunch more chances, but even so... only a handful of times this season have they put the puck in the net.  So, it's tough... you see the on the ice in the 3rd period and know you'll have to wait a shift to have a shot at tying the game.

Answer 4

Here Jay K. I will answer. I like the question anyway.

The Panthers fourth line this past season was Gregory Campbell, Kamil Kreps and (at the  end of the season) Wade Belak . They were a good grind line. They all played a good defensive foward type game. Kreps had some really good goals . I always think that the fourth line is very important. They are usually the hard workers of the team. That hard work will pay off in good things for the team

Answer 5

The fourth line means a great deal. The role of the fourth line is to be able to get your top 3 lines rest. It shows depth and grit and is used to shut down the other teams top lines usually.  (this series we have seen line matching, power against power, etc) Sometimes our 4th line starts the game, kind of like football when you want to "go on defense to set the tone". Our fourth line scores as well as any other in the league, if not better.