What is the purpose of the fourth line? On a good NHL team, the fourth line can be an effective tool used to change in game dynamics and swing momentum. A really good fourth line can chip in with the occasional goal or two, or even change the face of a playoff series. Anyone pay attention to the Bruins fourth line against the Hurricanes?
On a bad team the fourth line can be a dust bin where you hide AHL talent until you get some players back from injured reserved.
You don’t often hear about a player being developed while on the fourth line, they are usually the grinders, the checkers, the agitators and gritty guys, very rarely mistaken for top line talent.