EHM The Blue Line

Sorry before hand if this belongs in another thread but considering it cover multiple topics I figured id go on a limb here

Anyways my question is what exactly makes a good checking line? I've read through the even strength and player roster help threads and I just cant seem to put anything decent together. I guess what im asking is what kindof players and attributes should I look for and what kindof tactics should I favor high pressure type tactics or going with lower pressure and better positioning?

I’d think high pressure AND better Positioning…plus good skaters with Stamina, high Work Rate (tireless on the ice), good Anticipation (reading the play), plus Checking and of course Pokecheck and maybe Bravery for shot blocking too!

And size. Big dudes.

The for the responses but i have a few more questions what kindof tactic should i be using i was leaningntowards something like a neutral zone trap basically 1-4 foreheck and in neutral zone im not sure if i should use 1-1-2 or the 2-1-2 for increased pressure and as for defensive coverage should i go zone or man i could never figure out which is best for which situation and finally what are evertyones thoughts on settibg join rush on checking line players i tend tp always set everyone except one defensive d on every line tp join rush? If anybody has any checking line info or tips or tactics would it be possible to post them here im thinking of doing lots of testing andwrite a guide on the topic.

Ohh and sorry if theresspeling mistakes i was stuck typing thos on a tpuch screen phone

There is a huge tactics thread for you to read through. ALl kinds of suggestions. I find it does not matter which systems i use that much. It is the individual tactics that make my guys play good defensively. And that they are smart. Hard workers who are dzone minded (scout reports). Joining the rush? Only with a Mike Green type. Everyone else stays at home for me. All my forwards join the rush, but the defenseman only if I have a Mike Green type. Not many others like him. I don't even do it with guys like Doughty. Although I would with Subban

I know aboutthe thread its just fairly litltle is mentioned about checking lines. And although btad i agree with you personal tactics play a major role in tactics so does how you tell your plyers what kindof forecheck (or neutral zone ect ect) they should use is but then again i guess the tactics thread should be where the 1-2-2 or 2-1-2 question should go. Seeing as how we are on the joinrush topic i do thesame as you all forwards join and dmen dont, only iftheyre offensive d do they join rush, lets say though my opponent has a strong rw would itbe a good idea to leave my lw to not join rush? nAnd i still cant find much with searches on man vs zone other than big teams should go man anyone have any info to shed a little light on which shoul beused and why?

Zone does not work. Only man to man works in mu opinion. But if you have a slow team...maybe zone.

Forecheck and breakout...I only use two per season. And I switch maybe every 4-5 games. Unless I play a team two times within the four. I only EVER use positional, and the one that starts with f (For breakouts..cannot recall name)> For forecheck I switch back and forth every once in awhile between 3-2 and low pressure....never use the others, and I think if you look at my challenge numbers over the years you will realize I have really had the strongest or close to defensive performances all the way along.

The 2 biggest things for me are 1) size and 2) offensive ability on top of decent defensive skill. Using a strict defensive checking line always turns into a black-hole of bad morale and low production for me. I like a line that can fill the net as well as play responsible defense.