Daily Faceoff is a news site with no direct affiliation to the NHL, or NHLPA

NHL Scratches & Line Changes

Nate Guenin(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

ANAHEIM — If things break his way, Nate Guenin might be in the Ducks’ lineup when they open their season next week in Helsinki againt the Buffalo Sabres.

Guenin continues to play a solid game next to Sheldon Brookbank on the third pairing. Don't expect close to any offense from the former Ohio State defender as he never topped 17 points on any professional team. Look for him to stay with the team as long as Kurtis Foster and Toni Lydman stay out.

Source:

OC Register Ducks Blog 2011-10-01T08:32:27.000Z

Jason LaBarbera(Goalie)(G)|

Line Change

“They’ve worked hard, and Burkie (goaltending coach Sean Burke) continues to work with them. I don’t think either has been the reason we’ve lost, but I think they’re just like the rest of our group. There’s room for improvement.”

LaBarbera showed flashes over his last two seasons of becoming a starting goalie. Last season he went 7-6-3 with a 3.26 GAA and .909 SV%. He should increase his games played from 17 to the 30+ range.

Source:

AZ Central 2011-10-01T08:18:10.000Z

Mike Smith(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

As the free agent signing, Smith certainly has the inside track. Last season he won 13 of his 22 appearances with a 2.89 GAA and .899 SV% while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Look for him to improve those totals under coach Dave Tippett.

Source:

AZ Central 2011-10-01T08:15:07.000Z

Yannick Weber()(RD)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

“Last year when it came to the playoffs, I mostly ended up playing as a forward and think it went well. I showed what I can do, and I’ll try to again if I get the chance,” promised Weber who notched two goals for the Habs during the team’s first-round series against the Bruins.

Weber could be switched to forward permanently without a home on the blue line. Last season the Swiss skater scored a goal and 11 points over 41 games with the Habs. Don't expect too much from Weber unless he finds PP time or a role on a scoring line.

Source:

MontrealCanadiens.com 2011-09-30T20:07:07.000Z

Tomas Plekanec(Center)(C)|

Line Change

Pleky the point-man: With a reputation as one of the league’s elite two-way centers, who better to fill the position of Habs’ powerplay quarterback than Tomas Plekanec? Used on the point for the Canadiens’ Thursday night matchup against the Bolts, Plekanec took a lot of positives away from the experience.

Plekanec produced 18 points on the PP last season and 24 the season before. The playmaking center is expected to center the top line and could return to the 70 point range with help from his wingers. Expect a productive season from Plekanec.

Source:

MontrealCanadiens.com 2011-09-30T20:05:13.000Z

Aaron Ness(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

With Capuano confirming he's willing to keep 8 defensemen around (including the injured Jurcina) tonight becomes even more important for 21-year-old prospect Aaron Ness. "He's caught my eye for sure," Capuano said earlier this week.

Ness has clearly stood out during training camp. The former Mr. Hockey scored a goal and four points over 13 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season following three seasons at the University of Minnesota. Expect him to make the squad at some point this season if he doesn't make it out of camp.

Source:

New York Hockey 2011-09-30T19:40:03.000Z

Jose Theodore(Goalie)(G)|Inactive INA

Line Change

It’s not a good way to end it and for me personally obviously I got to be better. It’s as simple as that. I’ve had training camps where I played well and had bad starts and the other way around. I’ve been around long enough so I know. It all boils down to – for my part – I got to be better.

Theodore certainly did not impress in the team's recent 7-1 loss against the Dallas Stars. Last season, the former Vezina Trophy winner won 15 games with a decent .915 SV% and 2.71 GAA while with the Minnesota Wild. He should keep the starting goalie job unless his soft goals add up.

Source:

Sun-Sentinel 2018-07-18T17:53:22.569Z

Alexander Urbom(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Line Change

DeBoer made it clear earlier this week that Urbom had been a victim of the team’s depth at defense and essentially won’t be making the NHL roster.

Urbom likely won't make the team but could be one of the first call-ups. He managed to score a goal last season over his first eight NHL games. He's shown glimpses of offense in the AHL, SEL and WHL so keep an eye on the former third round pick down the road.

Source:

Fire & Ice 2018-07-18T17:53:10.496Z

Fedor Tyutin(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

“I think with signing that contract he’s probably got some security in his life,” Arniel said. “He looks like a guy that is just going out there, playing his game and having fun. This time last year, he struggled out of the gate. But hopefully he’s feeling confident.”

Sounds like Tyutin is poised for a career year after playing inconsistently last season. The 28-year-old scored seven goals and 27 points last season -- which was a decrease from his previous two seasons. As the team's number two defender, look for him to benefit greatly from the additions of Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski.

Source:

Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-30T16:00:42.000Z

Cody Eakin(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Eakin is expected to face Buffalo on Friday night, playing on the third line between Jason Chimera and Joel Ward while Sjogren likely will be scratched. Asked if each would appear in one of the two remaining preseason games, Boudreau said he wasn’t sure.

Bruce Boudreau wants to see more of the youngster Eakin as he tries to find the ideal third-line center. Last season, the pivot scored 18 goals and 44 points over 26 games with the Kootenay Ice and 18 goals and 39 points over 30 games with the Swift Current Broncos. He could be close to NHL ready but could also benefit from some time in the AHL.

Source:

Capitals Insider 2011-09-30T15:50:57.000Z

Teemu Hartikainen(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

ST. PAUL, MINN, - Teemu Hartikainen would like to check into the NHL but there may be no room at the inn.

While Hartikainen could fit in better on the team's lower lines than Linus Omark, the team probably thinks higher of the latter. Last season he scored 17 goals and 42 points through 66 games with the Oklahoma City Barons, earning a 12-game tryout with the Oilers. Look for the Finnish winger to be the first call-up from the AHL.

Source:

Edmonton Journal 2018-07-18T17:53:33.051Z

Brad Stuart(Defenseman)(D)|

Line Change

But Stuart has recovered quickly and will be in the lineup tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).

Great news for those invested in Stuart. Last season he scored three goals and 20 points while playing primarily next to Nicklas Lidstrom. He figures to play alongside Niklas Kronwall to begin the season.

Source:

Mlive.com 2011-09-30T15:11:26.000Z

Zach Boychuk(Center)(C)|

Line Change

The Canes have not given up on Boychuk. He has played 56 games for Carolina, including 23 last season, and should be back in the Canes' lineup again at some point this season.

Boychuk did not make the team out of training camp but should be one of the first call-ups. Last season he scored 22 goals and 65 points through 60 games with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, indicating he is very close to NHL ready. Keep an eye out for the former 14th overall pick at some point this season.

Source:

Canes Now 2011-09-30T15:02:31.000Z

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

Line Change

Sutter is happy to be in that mix. He had five power-play goals two years ago, when he finished with 21 goals, but had limited power-play time last season as his total goals dipped to 14.

Sutter played a more defensive role last season, centering the third line. He should improve his offensive output to the 40 point range with more PP time. The subtraction of Erik Cole should give him a nice opening.

Source:

Canes Now 2011-09-30T14:58:29.000Z

Mathieu Perreault(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

“I think we know enough of Matty to know another day isn't going to change the way we feel about him,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “We just want him to be ready to hopefully play on Sunday. So I don't think it hurts him, no.”

Good to know Perreault still has a chance of making the team. The diminutive pivot showed in the past he is capable of producing, in spurts, at the NHL level but don't select him until he makes the team.

Source:

Capitals Watch 2011-09-30T14:56:13.000Z

Adam Larsson(Defenseman)(D)|Seattle Kraken SEA

Line Change

Bet the house on it. Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson has made the Devils' opening night roster.

Larsson is officially on the team, invest now while you still can. Last season he only scored one goal and nine points over 37 games with Skelleftea HC of the SEL. Regardless, while manning the point on PP1, the former fourth overall pick will produce at least 20 points in his rookie season.

Source:

NJ.com 2011-09-30T13:51:40.000Z

Matt Frattin(Right Wing)(RW)|

Line Change

Formerly an offensive star at the University of North Dakota, the 23-year-old believes he's got the skill-set to play alongside Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong on the Leafs third line this fall.

Frattin feels he can play a tough game while adding some supplementary scoring from the third line. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games. He could very well succeed at the NHL level, especially in a less pressure-filled role.

Source:

Leafs Report 2011-09-30T13:37:38.000Z

Philippe Dupuis(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Dupuis, a free-agent signing from the Colorado Avalanche, skated Friday morning with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul prior to the team taking off for the evening game.

Dupuis gets his first crack at a scoring line after manning the fourth line for the Avs last season and the Leafs this preseason. He managed to score 108 points in his final season in the QMJHL indicating he has some offensive upside. Regardless, he probably starts the season on a lower line.

Source:

The Star 2018-07-18T17:53:29.444Z

Barret Jackman(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Of being a mentor, Jackman said: "You definitely feel like you're part of their development. You take pride in how well they play and things you could pass along, stuff I learned from Al (MacInnis) and 'Prongs.' I'm grateful to carry on the tradition."

No longer a young-stud defenseman, Jackman will turn to a mentorship role as the longest tenured member of the Blues. Last season the savvy veteran posted 13 assists in 60 games as he battled through injuries. His guidance on the ice will help Carlo Colaiacovo, Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo but not your fantasy hockey team.

Source:

St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011-09-30T11:24:59.000Z

Jim Slater(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

The fact he’s still with the organization despite all of that turnover says something about his skills, or perhaps more so his character. He’s never had a contract longer than two years, but he’s entering his seventh season with the franchise. He was on his way to a career-best point total last season, but a concussion ended his season after just 36 games.

Slater fits the role of a perfect fourth line center. The former 30th overall pick never posted more than 20 points in a season which indicates his lack of fantasy hockey value.

Source:

Winnipeg Sun 2011-09-30T11:07:36.000Z

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.