Line (ice hockey)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A line in ice hockey is term used to describe a group of players that play in a group, or shift, during a game. Due to fast and intense pace of higher levels ice hockey, players play are replaced often during each game by team members, usually in groups that have experience playing in tandem, called linemates. Linemates may change throughout the game at the coach's discretion.
A forward line consists of a left wing, centreman, and a right wing. A pair of defencemen who play together are called a blue line pair. There are typically four lines forwards, 12 individuals total, and three lines of defenceman, six individuals total, that are used during the game.
The first line is usually composed of the best players on the team;
The second line refers to players who are assigned to the three forward positions (Wingers: left wing and right wing; center) and the two defencemen that take the ice for their team usually on the second rotation of players. They replace a first line that usually starts a game and/or period, and they are backed up by a third line.
The second line is usually composed of the players that the coaches estimate to be the second tier on their team, although players from the first line can be placed into the second line to offer some strategic scoring or defensive opportunities.
The third line are the weaker, older or more developmental players on a club. The third line is usually composed of the players that the coaches estimate to be the third tier on their team, often made up of developing players, injured players returning from rehab, players recently traded into the team, and older players who may still be effective but have lost a bit of their edge in speed or reflexes.
The fourth forward line is often the Checking Line that is used to either defensively eliminate or to physically wear down the opposing team. Often, they are put on the ice against the other team's first line.
