The Importance of The Fourth Line and The Backup

During the end of the season and the playoffs, all the attention is focused on the NHL’s star players, and for good reason. How well they perform could determine if a team makes a playoff spot, or if a team advances through multiple playoff rounds. But, during this time, two things are often overlooked, and surprisingly, they are as important as the star players. Those two things are the fourth line and the backup goalie. The fourth line is stereotypically referred to as the “goon” line, however, that statement is completely false. The fourth line is used to give a team energy through physicality, speed, and a high-octane forecheck. All 3 members of the fourth line are not just there to give the star players a rest, they aim to play a solid 200 foot game and showcase their team’s depth of talented players. Take the Maple Leafs this year, for example. In their playoff push this year, their fourth line plays physical, injects energy into the Leafs, and they have the ability to put pucks in the net. Another position that is overlooked is the backup goaltender. Having a solid backup goalie does wonders for a team hoping for the playoffs. A solid backup provides stability, as the team knows that they have an excellent chance to win every game, no matter who is in net. A solid backup also instills confidence in a team. When the starting goalie needs a rest, or is injured, a team can count on their backup to provide solid wins for a game or two. The games may not seem like a lot, but to a team fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, every point counts. It is historically proven that having a good fourth line, and a good backup in addition to star players produces deep playoff runs and championships. If a team produces these two things, they will not only showcase their depth, but they will be on everyone’s radar come playoff time.

The Final Stretch

It’s that time of year again for fans of professional hockey. The regular season is winding down with just a few games to go and the playoffs are right around the corner. For some fans, their team is eliminated by this time, they want the season to end, and they want to get to the draft lottery in the hopes of a high pick. However, fans whose team is in a playoff position, or fighting for one, are in a completely different situation. Every game played by their team means something to their playoff hopes. The fans do not miss a minute of those remaining games, and during those games, hearts will be broken or dreams will be realized. Regardless if you are in either situation, the best thing about this time is that it’s exciting, and almost anything can happen. Not even the best sports analysts today can predict the final standings in this stretch of games. Sure, there will be some teams that finish in a high playoff spot as usual, but there will always be the teams who inspire all fans as they try and fight, tooth and nail to get into the playoffs, while keeping in mind that standings could change every day. This final stretch of games also builds anticipation for exciting playoff hockey. Anticipation about who’s going to win, who will rise to the occasion in every gruelling series, and who will be the Cinderella story. This is what the final stretch brings to the table, for players and fans. Players love to play for something that matters, while fans treat this period of time as the most wonderful time of the year. When the weather warms up, the games get better, and it’s something that the whole hockey world will happily watch or play any chance they get.