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NHL Scratches & Line Changes

Line Change

The play of forwards Patrick O’Sullivan and Kyle Chipchura likely makes them front-runners to survive the final cut.

Chipchura should make the team as a fourth liner or spare forward. He suited up for 95 games over the last two seasons in Anaheim. Considering he only managed two assists last season, his fantasy hockey value is virtually nonexistent.

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AZ Central 2011-10-01T17:22:08.000Z

Patrick O'Sullivan(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

The play of forwards Patrick O’Sullivan and Kyle Chipchura likely makes them front-runners to survive the final cut.

O'Sullivan impressed enough during camp to earn a roster spot. Last season the enigmatic forward only scored two goals and eight points in 31 games, split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The left wing did however prove he was too good for the AHL as he potted 19 goals and 48 points in 36 games with the Houston Aeros.

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AZ Central 2018-07-18T17:53:28.957Z

David Savard(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

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On the back end, David Savard and Holden have looked very good. So has John Moore at times. There’s room for two of them on the roster with James Wisniewski under suspension.

With the team sending Holden down today, Savard should make the team as the sixth defenseman. Through 72 games with the Springfield Falcons last season, the 20-year-old scored 11 goals and 43 points. Expect him to see time on the bottom pair and even get a chance to play the power play.

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Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-10-01T17:09:02.000Z

Maksim Mayorov(Left Wing)(LW)|Inactive INA

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Maksim Mayorov may get the nod because he’s played three years of pro hockey.

Mayorov adds some depth to the team's forward core as they attempt to field three scoring lines. Over his three AHL seasons, Mayorov has never scored more than 19 goals. Expect him to suit up on the second or third line to start the season.

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Puck-Rakers Blog 2018-07-18T17:53:24.544Z

Aaron Johnson(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

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Alexandre Giroux and Aaron Johnson might get the nod because they are seasoned vets, if mostly at the AHL level.

Johnson should make the team as a depth defender. Last season he scored nine goals and 35 points through 72 games for the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. He likely holds no fantasy hockey value.

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Puck-Rakers Blog 2018-07-18T17:53:09.896Z

Brandon Saad(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

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Joel Quenneville had as much praise for Brandon Saad as he did for Pirri who scored twice. “Saad does a lot of good things, he’s played a lot of games here, I still think he does a lot of good things, good patience, good recognition, we’ve been pleased with him,” Quenneville said. Expect Saad to be signed to an entry level contract and break camp with the Hawks.

Saad is certainly impressing his organization with some strong preseason play. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. If he makes the team, he could be a high-end sleeper.

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Chicago Blackhawks Report 2011-10-01T16:51:33.000Z

Ray Emery(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

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That’s not the case for goalie Ray Emery who’s tryout with the team might be on thin ice.

Despite Emery's fine season last year, he might not earn a role with Chicago. With Anaheim, the Hamilton, Ont. native won seven of 10 starts with a 2.28 GAA and .926 SV%. If he doesn't make the Blackhawks, look for Emery to catch on with another team.

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Chicago Blackhawks Report 2011-10-01T16:49:37.000Z

Brandon Pirri(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

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The arrow is decidedly pointing up for Blackhawks forward prospect Brandon Pirri after his second, two-goal game of the exhibition season.

The former second round pick has put himself in good position to make the team as the third line center with yet another impressive game. Last season, the Toronto native scored 12 goals and 43 points over 70 games for the Rockland IceHogs of the AHL. He should be capable of handling a checking role for the Blackhawks and should see time in their sweater at some point this season.

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Chicago Blackhawks Report 2011-10-01T16:47:43.000Z

Steve Sullivan(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Steve Sullivan, a veteran winger signed by the Penguins in the offseason who had been hindered by a sore groin through much of camp, played in his first preseason game and got first goal. He manned the left side of the top line with center Evgeni Malkin and right winger James Neal.

Sullivan should be a valuable commodity while playing on the top line with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. Last season, the diminutive winger scored 10 goals and 22 points over 44 games with the team. Expect around 20 goals if Sullivan can stay healthy all season.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2018-07-18T17:53:32.918Z

Deryk Engelland()(RD)|Free Agent FA

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CHICAGO -- Deryk Engelland has flashed a bit of offensive skill this preseason, and he's as comfortable with what the Penguins want from their defensemen as anyone could be after several years playing in the same system.

Engelland should make the team and keep his job on the bottom pairing. The former Moose Jaw Warrior could improve on last season's totals of three goals and 10 points with 123 PIM over 63 games. However, the bruising defenseman has never scored more than seven goals at any level of his career.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011-10-01T16:30:54.000Z

Philip Larsen(Defenseman)(D)|

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With his first year of playing hockey in North America now under his belt, defenseman Philip Larsen is feeling a lot more comfortable these days.

The Stars have big plans for their Danish defenseman. Last season he scored four goals and 21 points over 54 games with the Texas Stars and two assists over six games with the Stars. If he makes the team, expect him to see plenty of playing time.

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Andrew's Stars Page 2011-10-01T16:00:26.000Z

Tomas Vincour(Center)(C)|

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Right wing Tomas Vincour was on the Dallas Stars’ roster when their season ended in 2010-11. He’d like to be on the roster when the 2011-12 season kicks off next Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Vincour scored a goal and an assist over 24 games with the Stars last season. The former Vancouver Giant never scored more than 17 goals at any level so don't expect too much production from the 20-year-old.

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Andrew's Stars Page 2011-10-01T15:57:39.000Z

Brad Mills(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

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Mills, the 28-year-old Yale graduate, is in a similar position to Henrique and taking a similar approach.

Mills continues to be a longshot to make the team. Last season the 27-year-old made his NHL debut and scored a goal over four games. If he does earn a roster spot, look for him to toil on the bottom line.

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Fire & Ice 2018-07-18T17:53:12.838Z

Adam Henrique(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

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Henrique, 21, thinks it’s a good sign that he’s playing again, but knows nothing is guaranteed yet.

Henrique looked like a shoe-in to make the team out of training camp but has since fallen on the depth chart with Petr Sykora's re-emergence. Last season, the former Windsor Spitfire scored 25 goals and 50 points with the team's AHL affiliate Albany Devils. He shoudl be NHL ready so expect to see him in a Devils' sweater at some point this season.

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Fire & Ice 2011-10-01T15:51:53.000Z

Dainius Zubrus(Right Wing)(RW)|

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Zubrus, who hasn't played in the preseason because of a lower body injury that was an old problem, said he has no concerns about testing himself.

Zubrus returns to the lineup and will center the third line. The versatile forward scored 13 goals and 30 points last season while missing only three games. Look for him to move between the top and third line all season.

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NJ.com 2011-10-01T15:44:15.000Z

Matt Frattin(Right Wing)(RW)|

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Look for rookie winger Matt Frattin to move into MacArthur’s spot with Mikhail Grabovski and trusty winger Nikolai Kulemin.

Just a week ago Frattin was not guaranteed to make the team. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games. Keep an eye on how he reacts to a scoring line role.

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The Star 2011-10-01T15:29:57.000Z

Matthew Lombardi(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

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Matthew Lombardi not only will see his first game action as a Maple Leaf –on Saturday night but he’ll centre sniper Phil Kessel and winger Joffrey Lupul.

Lombardi will get his first action of the preseason and will have every opportunity to prove himself fully healthy. The speedy forward posted 19 goals and 53 points during the '09 - '10 campaign but missed all-but-two games due to a concussion last season. He could very well take the reigns of the top line with Nazem Kadri and Tim Connolly hurt.

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The Star 2018-07-18T17:53:25.957Z

Tomas Holmstrom(Left Wing)(LW)|Inactive INA

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Babcock said he is likely to start the season with Tomas Holmstrom playing on the fourth line and the first power-play unit.

Holmstrom's decline in foot-speed places him on the fourth line to start the season. Last season, he scored 18 goals and 37 points over 73 games. If he remains on PP1 he should produce similar results.

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Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:34.126Z

Fabian Brunnstrom(Left Wing)(LW)|Inactive INA

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The Red Wings are likely to sign forward Fabian Brunnstrom, in camp on a tryout, by Monday. "He looks good," general manager Ken Holland said. "He’s in front of the net, he’s big and strong, he’s competed hard.

If Brunnstrom could succeed anywhere in the NHL, it would be with Detroit. The 26-year-old holds 19 goals and 40 points through 99 career NHL games, which would indicate he has potential similar to a Red Wings forward like Jiri Hudler. If he signs, which the reports indicate he will, keep the Swedish import in the very back of your mind.

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Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:18.393Z

Gustav Nyquist(Right Wing)(RW)|Winnipeg Jets WPG

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DETROIT -- Talented, young forward Gustav Nyquist was impressive again Friday for the Detroit Red Wings

Nyquist continues to impress during training camp but likely will fall victim to the numbers game. Last season, this collegiate standout scored 18 goals and 51 points through 36 games with the University of Maine before playing eight games for the Grand Rapid Griffins. Although he will start the season in the AHL, keep his name in mind for the future.

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Mlive.com 2011-10-01T15:11:14.000Z

NHL Line Changes

NHL line changes are essential in keeping a team’s players fresh on the ice over the course of a hard-fought 60-minute matchup. With shift changes occurring rapidly throughout any given game, we are here to provide you with everything you need to know regarding line changes.

Making sure a team is efficiently making line changes can be essential to their success within a matchup, as it ensures that the players needed on the ice to gain the upper hand are ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. For NHL daily fantasy hockey players, knowing how to track line changes can be important as you look to keep tabs on the players you’ve drafted to your lineup and their production.

On The Fly

Unlike other sports where play must come to a stop in order to make a player substitution, in hockey, players can switch in-and-out of play on the fly. This helps in keeping the breakneck pace of the contest going, increasing the amount of action from whistle-to-whistle and avoiding any unnecessary stoppages.

On the fly changes are generally done when a team is in possession of the puck and are looking to make a transition play from their own end to their opponent’s side of the rink. Players must be aware of the action around them when making an on the fly substitution as a poorly timed switch could leave themselves vulnerable to an odd-man rush on the other end.

In order to make successful line changes on the fly it is up to the team coaching staff to keep players informed on when their line matchups are due to hit the ice. Generally, with both forwards and defensive pairings, line changes go from the first line trickling its way down to the fourth. Depending on the situation of the game, coaches may opt to give a particular line more playing time, increasing the amount of shifts they receive.

Play Stoppages

NHL line changes can also be made during stoppage of play, with both sides being given the chance to put fresh bodies on the ice ahead of the upcoming faceoff. Examples of a play stoppage that would allow teams to make line changes are after minor or major penalties, offsides, icing, and puck out of play calls. These line changes are often much more calculated as each coach has time to survey the other team and decide what would be the most advantageous line combination that will provide them with a competitive advantage.

Bench Configuration

It may seem like a confusing and unorganized area of the game, but in hockey there is a fair amount of strategy put into the bench configuration within a matchup. With both benches positioned in the neutral zone, making sure that players can quickly hop the boards and get into the game is key to making successful line changes. Benches are generally set so that players entering into the game on the fly are in the best possible position on the ice to fulfill their role.

Generally, a bench in hockey will have the forwards positioned closest to the attacking zone, whereas the defenceman will be situated closest to their defensive zone. This separates the forward lines and defence pairings from on another on each end of the bench so that groups can easily stay together. From here the rested forwards ready to enter into the game will be placed in the centre of the bench, positioned near the coaches so they can easily receive instruction before hitting the ice. This is also advantageous as players coming off the ice for a line change will often enter from the opposite side they came onto the ice from, preventing any unnecessary traffic or confusion when making a change. While each team may have their own preferences on how to configure their bench, these are the most common ways they are run.

Line Change Rules

Understanding the rules of NHL line changes in hockey is an understated part of the game and when used correctly can swing the tide of a matchup in your favour. Without in-depth understanding of line changes in hockey, this can cause costly mistakes that can result in minor penalties, lengthy shifts, or mismatches off a faceoff.

Last Line Change

The last line change rule exists so that the home team is able to make an adjustment to whatever lineup the visiting team decides to roll out after a stoppage in play. This rule was designed to make NHL line changes efficient, as well as provide both sides with the chance to strategically place their players based on the lines sent out by their opponents.

For example, after the whistle, the home team’s coach can elect to make a line change to the personnel on the ice. After that, the visiting coach will send out any new players into the game off of a line change. Thanks to the last line change rule, the home team coach is now granted the opportunity to make one last line change before play resumes to counter whatever line changes were made by the opposing team.

For daily fantasy sports bettors this is where having ample knowledge of each NHL team can come in handy. You can envision how each team may look to gain a competitive advantage over their opponent during a possession, drafting players who are set up for success within a matchup.

Penalties & Infractions

While NHL line changes are meant to be an efficient and simple way to keep the game being played at a fast-pace with minimal interruptions, there is still room for serious error during these substitutions. It’s not uncommon to see teams assessed for a penalty due to a botched line change, resulting in a power play opportunity for the opposing team.

A common penalty called as a result of a poorly executed line change is “too many men on the ice”. This penalty results when the offending team has six or more skaters (including the goaltender) on the ice at any given time and comes in physical contact with the puck. While players entering in the game during a shift change are eligible to hop the boards and get in on the action once their teammate is within five feet of the bench, they must time this correctly or they could be hit with a premature substitution infraction. When a bench minor penalty such as too many men on the ice is assessed, it is up to the team’s head coach to decide who serves the penalty based on the players currently on the ice at the time of the penalty.

Another line change infraction to be aware of is in the case of an icing call. Icing is called when a team plays a puck from their own side of the red centre line across the red goal line in their opponents end. When icing is called, a faceoff will be taken from the end of the team that committed the infraction. During an icing call the team that was called for icing is not able to make any line changes, meaning they are forced to keep all players who were on the ice at the time of the infraction in the contest. Their opponents however are allowed to make any line change they desire, making this an incredibly beneficial call if they can strategize correctly.

How Line Changes Impact Fantasy Hockey

NHL line changes can come fast and suddenly so it can be challenging to keep track of certain players over the course of a matchup. This can make it difficult for avid fantasy hockey managers and sports bettors to know when the players they’ve wagered on are on the ice. Some broadcasts now incorporate various display mechanics that allow for you to see who is on the ice at any given time, making shift change tracking much simpler than ever before. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the jersey numbers of any players on your fantasy roster or that you bet on as a failsafe so that you can find them quickly while watching the action unfold.

Knowing how long a typical shift for a player entering into a matchup is can be an advantageous piece of knowledge for fantasy managers and bettors alike. The longer a player’s shift lasts, the higher their chances of registering a point or other statistical milestone which can help you in winning your fantasy matchups and/or bets placed on a game.