The 4th line in hockey is the line that, depending on the team, could be responsible for some of the game’s most memorable goals and plays. Generally, the fourth line is the last line of defense for the team, either preventing opposing forwards from scoring or providing some offense of their own. Even if a team doesn’t have a traditional forward trio, the fourth line might still be used as a place for a struggling winger or a free agent pickup to find some solid playing time. In this article, we’ll discuss the various roles the fourth line in hockey can play, including the advantages and disadvantages of each role.
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Traditionalists Vs. Progressives
In hockey, as in many sports, the lines divide pretty neatly into two groups: the traditionalists and the progressives. The traditionalists represent the best of what used to be called the classic mold: big, strong, aggressive, and, above all, defensive. These are the players who used to be relied on to shut down opposing teams’ best forwards. In today’s hockey, the role of the traditionalist is sometimes filled by a hybrid player who still displays some of the characteristics of the era when the position was mostly populated by brick walls. They might not be the most talented players ever to lace up skates, but they’re more than capable of slowing down the opposition.
The progressives, on the other hand, are the generation of players who came after the great depression. Relieved of many of the restrictions faced by their predecessors, the progressives are often bigger, stronger, and faster than the traditionalists, and they showcase that all with each stride. Offensively, they may not have the pure shooting skills of the old-guard players, but they make up for it in other ways. They’re more than capable of taking a play to the net and, if necessary, using their rugged frames to muscle their way past a defender to get the puck to a teammate in front.
While some might see the traditionalists as the dinosaurs of hockey, that’s certainly not the case. Some of the game’s greatest players still ply their trade as of yet, and, in a real sense, the game still has plenty of room for both traditionalists and progressives. This is especially true with youth hockey, where the coaches and parents can split the cost of ice time, and where players can progress at their own pace, playing as long as they wish before heading off to school or work. There are plenty of opportunities to hone your puck handling, shot, and awareness skills without worrying about dominating your position on the ice. Every hockey player still has to start somewhere, and a great deal of the fun of the game comes from seeing how players grow and change as they get more experience.
The Baddy
If you ask most hockey players which position they’re least pleased to have had to take part in, they’ll tell you it’s the one they had to play in the fourth line. Essentially, this is the position below the press box, which is way down on the ice, and which many players believe is beneath even the dignified skies of the NHL. Even if you’re a talented player and you’ve received a good deal of ice time in the minor leagues, it’s unlikely you’ll make it much higher than the AHL in terms of professional status. Don’t put much faith in stats that don’t take into account all the playoff games and the like; that’s where the true skill of a hockey player is on display.
Even when the season is over and you’ve been given a chance to rest and recuperate, the fourth line is an unenviable position. Aside from the obvious discomfort of the one wearing the ‘baddy’ (as it’s affectionately known), you’re often at the tail end of a long and arduous season, which means fewer goals and opportunities for scoring. On top of that, you’re often teamed up with another no-name defenseman who’ll be the other half of an already uninspiring duo.
It’s no wonder, then, that so many players have something negative to say about the position. But it’s also no wonder that some of them are willing to put up with a lot to play in it. As mentioned, the role of the fourth line in hockey has changed a lot since the great depression. For instance, there’s no longer any place for a pure shutdown defenseman; instead, there’s a place for just about everyone. If you can handle the physical aspect of the position (i.e., if you’re big, strong, and tough enough), there’s no limit to the roles you can play. Some of the most well-known players in hockey history played on the fourth line, including George Hainsworth, Woody Dumart, and, most famously, Bobby Orr. It was a position they dominated for decades and which helped make them legends in the sport.
The Hardworking Hunchback
Like the position below the press box, the role of the hardworking hunchback in hockey has changed a lot since the great depression. Back then, you were either a star player or you were on your way to the junkyard in hockey. The hardworking hunchback played a crucial role in helping speed up the development of young hockey players and in ensuring the survival of many a franchise in the post-war years. They were also a crucial cog in the team’s success, grinding out long hours while providing the defensive support that helped the stars shine on the ice.
In the 50s and 60s, the position was generally filled by a big, strong, and very athletic lumberjack. While this might not seem like it today, the position wasn’t completely abandoned in the move towards the modern game. In fact, you can find traditionalist players on almost every team, doing their bit to help the team and take the glory for himself.
These days, it’s a bit more complex. While the hardworking hunchback still has to be big and strong to carry his hefty share of the workload, he doesn’t necessarily have to be an all-around athlete. Instead, he might just be there to plug the gap in your team’s defense, while providing a little offense here and there when he can.
Short-Handed Defenseman
Among the many changes that hockey has gone through since the great depression, one of the most significant is the rise of the short-handed defenseman. In the earlier days of the game, a short-handed defenseman had only three tasks: 1) block shots, 2) clear the crease, and 3) win faceoffs. These days, the role of the defenseman has expanded to include more responsibility and a greater number of tasks. While the position still has its roots in defense, these days it’s much more willing and able to join the offense. This is largely thanks to the fact that the great depression forced many a skilled player into a career in hockey, or any other sport for that matter. The result was a generation of highly-skilled players, many of whom went on to dominate the sport for years. So while the exact nature of the position has changed a lot, its importance and key elements have stayed the same. This is why there are still so many unsung heroes who made their name in the NHL during the great depression, like Tex Rickard, Joe Primeau, and Charlie Gardiner.
The New Guy
Even now, when teams are down a man for most of the game, the unwritten rule is that the fourth line doesn’t get a break. When a team is short one, the last line is generally the first to get the call. This is because the coaches have to ensure the integrity of the game, and they know that the last line is the freshest and most rested, making them the ideal candidates to replace an injured or benched player. The downside to this is obvious: there’s no chemistry or rapport built up between the two players by the time the fourth line gets its chance. This is where the other element of discomfort comes in: when a new player is thrown into the lineup, he’ll often feel out of place and uncomfortable, knowing full well that he doesn’t really fit the role.
On the plus side, there’s always the opportunity to improve. A player who looks like he might be trouble-free will often find himself in a bit of a pickle once the other team catches wind of his ability. This is mainly due to lack of experience, which can lead to overagression or, at the very least, a sense of insecurity. This insecurity can lead to an overabundance of errors, all of which are easily correctable with some basic coaching. As a result, some players love the opportunity to prove themselves, whether it’s a veteran who has lost his spot on the roster or an up-and-coming youngster who feels slighted by the omission. Either way, it’s an opportunity to make a name for yourself, to improve your game, and prove to the coaches and teammates that you’re worth keeping around.