In terms of importance, the fourth line is often overlooked in the NHL. They are considered a luxury or premium expense for a quality team. Investing considerable cap space on forwards that play less than 15 minutes per night does not make a whole lot of sense. The New York Rangers have had different approaches to what a fourth line’s job should be.
When the team started its run of success, it had a fourth line that reflected its then head coach John Tortorella. The fourth line for a majority of the season was enforcer Brandon Prust, checking center Brian Boyle and either Mike Rupp or some other grinder.