For the most part, the NHL lineup consists of 12 forwards, six defenseman, a starting goaltender and a backup in net. However, there are alternative formulas for roster composition that are occasionally used in certain situations. The New York Rangers famously or perhaps infamously used a seven defenseman 11 forward lineup in game seven of the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals.
The team had its best defenseman, Ryan McDonagh, trying to play through a broken foot so then coach Alain Vigneault opted to use an extra defenseman to try and make up the difference in ice time. Yet, Vigneault only used the seventh defenseman, Matt Hunwick for a handful of shifts, effectively wasting a lineup spot.