Switching Up the Lines

[HockeyJunkie 0]

After 3 years on the board this is my 1st thread and I hope this isnt a stupid question - but it does come from someone who enjoys watching the game but has never played (and if I could start all over I would take up the game at a very early age - I grew up in Indy watching the IHL Racers [Gretzky's 1st pro team]), but what impact does switching up the lines have on the players? My only frame of reference is the sports that I play/played in that in vball I am used to having the same person set the ball to me on a consistent basis - I know where the ball is going and they know where the ball is going - same with fball - receivers and QBs put in lots of time learning routes and timing - in hockey when you switch up the lines wouldnt it cause confusion because you are putting players together who are dont normally play together. They have to learn a new person, i.e. what their habits, tendencies are, how fast or physical they are, when they may cheat on a play, pinch in, or change something on the fly. Is that something that is consistently worked on in the regular season? - changing lines and getting the players acquainted with the traites of the other players so in the event that lines need to be changed the transition is as smooth as possible? HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING, AS AN EXAMPLE ONLY - given the players size, speed, strengths, etc. switching Dats and Bert for each other would have an enormous impact on their lines/players because they are two completely different players (plus Bert is a new player on the team, which I think would have even more of an impact).

Please be gentle - as I am just trying to learn!

peace

[wingsfan75 2]

I think that you have a pretty good handle on the situation. I also think that, being the professionals that they are, they have played enough with each other to know the basic tendencies and habits that their teamates have. It shouldn't be a huge issue. As far as Bert moving to the second line for tonights game I, personally, thought Babcock should have made that move in game 3. He played most of his time in the reg season on that line so his comfort level shouldn't be an issue.

Oh and BTW, welcome to the world of posting. Not a bad first post.

Edited April 19, 2007 by wingsfan75

[toby91_ca 620]

It really depends. A lot of times, the coach is looking for that right fit, for guys to gel and have great chemistry together. Once that happens, you usually don't break it up unless there is reason.

Just for interest sake, Bowman used to juggle his lines all the time in the playoffs.

[Inultus 12]

Sometimes switching the lines up can be a great thing.

I usually play on a certain line in my games but last week we switched up and I'm playing left wing next to the captain and I love it.

You are correct, it does take some time to adjust, but as the first reply stated, if you are paying attention you should have a general idea as to the tendencies/abilities of your teammates, whether they play on your line or not.