The fourth line played a vital part in the Rangers’ Stanley Cup appearance in 2013-2014. In an ideal scenario, Alain Vigneault likes to roll his lines evenly and attack with four lines that are fresh.
In the past, a team’s fourth line would be a bruiser line that’s main job was to be physical and cause disruption. Now, things have changed. The Penguins are back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions because of their offensive depth.
The Islanders’ fourth line a few seasons back of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck was one of their most effective lines since they were able to put points on the board while maintaining a physical edge.