The blue line is a demarcation line that separates the ice-skaters from the ice-cheaters in hockey. It is most commonly associated with checking – meaning that players are allowed to check, or tackle, opposing players, but are not supposed to cross it with the exception of a scoring chance.
The line itself is a reference to the jersey number of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane. Kane is one of the most dangerous and productive scorers in the NHL, and he wears the number 93 in honor of his father, Tony, who wore the same number in his playing days. When the younger Kane was a teenager, he would imitate his father’s game by sliding around the ice, often staying close to the boards in order to beat several defenders to the puck and score on a regular basis.
While Kane was always known for his ability to score, he developed a reputation as a dirty player during his time with the OHL’s Kanevitchi Red Wings. He was suspended for a total of 26 games as a result of his on-ice antics during that time. Since then, he has cleaned up his game and developed into one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL. He currently leads the league in points (67) and assists (45) and is a shoo-in for the scoring title once again this year.
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How Is The Blue Line Different From The Defenceman’s Line?
Most people are accustomed to thinking of the blue line as the area that players on the ice are not allowed to cross. While that is true, it is also a good description of the area within which the defensemen are permitted to operate. (The exception is when they have the puck, in which case they can skate anywhere on the ice.)
The two lines are different because the defensemen’s line is where the defensemen roam when they have the puck. The blue line is where the offensemen and the likes of Kane roam when they do not have the puck. Essentially, the puck is the demarcation between the attack and defense in hockey.
This is important because without the puck, the defensemen are not required to be close to their own end of the ice. This means they are free to roam the entire ice surface and gain the offensive zone without any fear of being out on the ice with no protection.
Why Is The Blue Line Important?
The blue line is important because it is one of the few lines that players can control the pace of the game on. Generally speaking, the game will not slow down simply because a man is on the blue line. This means the ice-time will not be controlled by the defense like it is on the other two lines. The players on this line also have a big responsibility to keep the puck away from the other team’s goal, something that the other lines’ players do not have to worry about as much. (They also have the chance to create breakaways and odd-man rushes when the puck is on their stick.)
The position of the blue line changes from game to game, which can further open up the ice for the offense. When the defensemen are closer to their own end of the ice and the opposition is skating at a fast pace, the play will be open and breakaways are a possibility. When the game is more of a grinder and the players are protecting the puck more, the blue line will be closer to the opposition’s goal and the pace of the game will slow down.
One key to controlling the pace of the game with the puck is ensuring your sticks are always moving. When the players’ sticks are not moving, it typically means they are either checking or protecting the puck, both of which require the player to stop skating and concentrate, leading to a deceleration of the game.
By having the puck on the blue line, the defense can dictate the pace of the game. This allows them to open up the ice for the forwards, providing more space for the players to maneuver in and more opportunities to complete passes, dump the puck in, and create odd-man rushes and breakaway chances.
Key Points To Remember
The key points to remember about the blue line are as follows: