Bounces R Way
Registered User
Traditionally NHL teams have been built upon having their first two forward lines carry the bulk of the scoring, and their 3rd and 4th lines be used primarily in checking roles. Examining further the 3rd line would be the consummate checking line and the 4th would be used to provide energy, grit, and intimidation.
What this means is that teams would fill out lines 1 & 2 with the more talented offensive players to maximize production while also giving them more OZ starts and TOI. For lines 3 & 4 the desired attributes for players played in checking roles are more built around defensive acumen. Good along the boards, good forecheckers, strong cycle game, strong defensive positioning, who are big bodies that can wear down the opponent. This meant, typically, that teams would be more likely to give a bottom 6 roster spot to a player with some PK experience, good hits/game numbers, and a familiarity with playing in NHL systems rather than say for instance their leading AHL scorer.
With more and more young players proving to be adept at both ends of the rink much quicker than in the past; and the importance of scoring throughout the lineup being at an all time high, are we then going to see a shift in this philosophy of giving preference to the "role player" for these bottom 6 roles to a standard predicated on talent and possible production? Are the veterans who have paltry point per game numbers, but who "do the little things right", days numbered?
What this means is that teams would fill out lines 1 & 2 with the more talented offensive players to maximize production while also giving them more OZ starts and TOI. For lines 3 & 4 the desired attributes for players played in checking roles are more built around defensive acumen. Good along the boards, good forecheckers, strong cycle game, strong defensive positioning, who are big bodies that can wear down the opponent. This meant, typically, that teams would be more likely to give a bottom 6 roster spot to a player with some PK experience, good hits/game numbers, and a familiarity with playing in NHL systems rather than say for instance their leading AHL scorer.
With more and more young players proving to be adept at both ends of the rink much quicker than in the past; and the importance of scoring throughout the lineup being at an all time high, are we then going to see a shift in this philosophy of giving preference to the "role player" for these bottom 6 roles to a standard predicated on talent and possible production? Are the veterans who have paltry point per game numbers, but who "do the little things right", days numbered?
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