EHM The Blue Line

Whats the best strategy concerning 4th line players. In particular I'm interested in keeping them happy if possible.

Do you need to move them up to a higher line once in a while or put them on the PP or PK?

Maybe there are some players who are happy to be on the fourth line. I'm thinking of a player with lower stats but a great Teamwork rating who would in theory understand his role and not expect more.

Any recommendations as to players or strategies?

Thanks
Craig

I think it all depends on what kind of a playerbase you have. On some teams, I like to have a strong 3rd and 4th checking line, and get them their extra time on the PK. Sometimes, you don't have that luxury and i'll put together a kid line that gets less minutes a game, but they get to contribute on the PP/PK where their skills merit. Sometimes I won't even dress a 3rd player on that line and have a PP specialist d-man dressed instead, and put 2 goons on the line who I don't bring out unless I need them.

Make sure you are running the current patch.

Also, what role do you use your fourth line in? That makes a difference on what you should do with the players.

I have two options on the 4th line. Its centered by Jeff Halpern but I toss in Aaron Asham and Ryan Holweg when I want to go heavy hitting and checking. Or I put in Anthony Stewart and Ryan Getzlaf for a more balance line. (Don't ask about Getzlaf .. see my other thread on this piece of work.)

The PK duties go to John Madden, Jeff Halpern, Brendan Morrow and Chris Clark at the moment. The PP is full as well so there are always going to be those 2 forwards who don't get any Special Teams time.

Craig

I think part of the problem is the players you're using on the 4th line. When you set their status on the team, are they regular players or fringe players? If not, they might get frustrated with 4th line minutes. If they're core players, they're going to expect to contribute more. If they're hot prospects, they're going to want a little more time too. You might try playing them on the 4th line at even strength and giving them some time on the PP or PK. It's really hard to keep 4th line players happy unless they're borderline NHL/AHL guys.

I'm currently playing with a fantasy drafted team, my 4th line consists of Hollweg Betts Taylor. Betts and Taylor are great defensively and play the PK as well, so that brings their ice time to about 10-11 mins per game, while Hollweg has just the goon role, he's the only one allowed to fight, and plays about 5-6 minutes per game. Seems to work for me. I usually play 2 offensive and 2 defensive lines, my 3rd and 4th line guys usually also play all the PK situations. I use a high tempo style of play with very hard backchecking on my first 2 lines so I don't want them to tire out completely playing on the PK. So as you see, it's always a matter of your preferred style of play, tactics and gameplan, don't think there's a 100% solution that applies to everyone