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A line in ice hockey is a term used to describe a group of players that play in a group, or shift, during a game. In ice hockey, players are substituted "on the fly", meaning there is no break in the action during the substitution of players. Usually groups of players are substituted simultaneously in coordinated groups composed of players who have experience playing with one another. These players are called linemates. Linemates may change throughout the game at the coach's discretion.
Types of line
- A forward line consists of a left winger, a centreman, and a right winger. A pair of defencemen who play together are called a blue line pair. There are typically four lines of 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 offensive players on the team. Teams heavily rely on this line, which generates the bulk of the team's scoring. These players often see the highest number of minutes among forwards in a game.
- The second line is generally composed of second-tier offensive players, and helps by adding supplementary offense to that generated by the first line. Higher end (typically first line) players may be put on the second line to spread scoring across the lineup, making a team more difficult for opponents to defend against.
- The third line is often called the checking line, and is generally made up of more defensively oriented forwards. This line is often played against an opponent's first or second lines in an effort to reduce their scoring, and physically wear them down. The third line adds less offense than the first or second lines, but generally more than the fourth.
- The fourth line is often called the "energy line" on an ice hockey team, both because they give other players a chance to rest, and because they are typically very physically oriented, and give their team an emotional boost through their physical play, making them more energized. It is usually composed of gritty, journeymen players with extremely limited scoring potential, but strong physical play and, as often as possible, strong skating abilities. They receive the least ice time out of all four lines on a team.
See also
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