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NHL Scratches & Line Changes

Eric Belanger(C)|INA
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The Oilers will lean on Belanger and Shawn Horcoff, who has been Edmonton’s go-to-man when he’s been in the lineup, this season.

Belanger should start the season while centering the third line. Last season he managed to score 13 goals and 40 points while playing on the team's top line. He should come near replicating those totals but will suffer in plus/minus. At this point, only consider Belanger if your team needs face-off wins.

Source:
Edmonton Journal 2018-07-18T17:53:17.986Z
Andrew Cogliano(LW)|FA
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With three exhibition games remaining including Wednesday night’s home affair with the Vancouver Canucks, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle has essentially made Cogliano his third-line center coming out of training camp.

Cogliano looked more comfortable down the middle over the course of his career. Last year he struggled when moved to the wing but still scored 11 goals and 35 points. He can certainly come near 20 goals over a full season if given the opportunity.

Source:
OC Register Ducks Blog 2011-09-29T12:25:15.000Z
Andrew Cogliano
John Moore(LD)|FA
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Moore has been only so-so this camp. He's probably targeted for another year in the AHL.

Moore scored only five goals and 24 points in his first professional season. As the team's 21st overall pick just two seasons ago, the Blue Jackets would probably prefer to have their youngster develop more confidence in the minors. Scratch him off this year's cheat sheet unless he significantly progresses at the AHL level.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-29T12:20:55.000Z
John Moore
David Savard(D)|FA
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Wisniewski's shot will be missed, especially on the power play. Savard has the best skill set of that "leaners", so maybe that gives him the nod.

Savard could grasp a roster spot as the team lacks a third puck-moving defender. Last season he impressed with 11 goals and 43 points over 72 games with the Springfield Falcons. Look for him to make the team at some point this season.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-29T12:19:23.000Z
David Savard
Grant Clitsome(D)|FA
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Grant Clitsome is likely to move up to the No. 1 pair with Tyutin. Arniel likes his pairs to be on the same power play unit, and Clitsome's shot is the only one back there that's close to Wisniewski's.

Clitsome could provide some valuable counting stats for that 10 percent of the season. Last year he seemingly came out of nowhere to post four goals and 19 points through 31 games. Expect similar production while he remains the team's top puck-moving defender.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-29T12:16:27.000Z
Grant Clitsome
Cam Atkinson(RW)|FA
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Cam Atkinson has earned a very long look. Hope for a third scoring line rests right here.

The team remains very high on Atkinson, giving him an extended look. Last season, the 6th round pick dominated Hockey East, scoring 31 goals in 39 games for Boston College. Look for him to at least start at the AHL level.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-29T12:14:41.000Z
Cam Atkinson
Maksim Mayorov(LW)|INA
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Mayorov has looked very sharp and shown a scorer's touch. But he was only OK in his last exhibition game. One thing he can't bring to the table is size. If the coaches think they need size in the bottom six, Mayorov could get bumped.

Mayorov should earn a role on a scoring line at some point this season. Over his three seasons in Springfield, the Russian export never scored more than 19 goals. Expect some growing pains and for Mayorov to need to use his size to his advantage.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2018-07-18T17:53:24.542Z
Ryan Johansen(C)|FA
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Johansen looks like he's earned a spot on the opening roster anyway, but if MacKenzie isn't healthy by opening night, you can write the kid's name in today. Has he been great? No, not great. But he hasn't been overwhelmed, either. They will ease him along, but it might be time to ask for No. 19.

Johansen looks to make the team in a depth role, which should ease the blue-chip prospect in the NHL. Last season, he scored 40 goals and 92 points with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. He should be a key contributor to the team for years.

Source:
Puck-Rakers Blog 2011-09-29T12:02:20.000Z
Ryan Johansen
Matt Stajan(C)|
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Given how Brent Sutter has managed lines through the exhibition round, there's reason to think Matt Stajan is in a dogfight for his spot on the roster with guys like Roman Horak, Paul Byron and perhaps even Lance Bouma.

Stajan failed to impress last season, moving from the team's top line to the fourth. Last season, the playmaking pivot still managed six goals and 31 points, indicating he could have value offensively for a different team. Don't expect too much playing time for Stajan unless he outworks Mikael Backlund, Brendan Morrison and Olli Jokinen.

Source:
Flames Nation 2011-09-29T11:17:10.000Z
Matt Stajan
Nick Palmieri(RW)|INA
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Nick Palmieri has the size, hands and skating ability to become a productive NHL power forward.

The winger impressed last season, playing alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac. Additionally, he scored nine goals and 17 points through 43 games which indicates he could score 20 at some point in his NHL career. Expect him to start the season on the third line with the opportunity of moving up a line.

Source:
NJ.com 2018-07-18T17:53:28.128Z
Mark Mancari(RW)|INA
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“He needs to use that size on a regular basis. We’ll see if he can skate at the NHL level.”

Mancari could be labeled a quad-A player following another poor showing at a training camp. The right wing scored a goal and eight points through 20 games with the Sabres last season. He also produced 32 goals and 64 points in only 56 games with the Rochester Americans. If he fails to make the team this year, it may be his last opportunity at age 26.

Source:
The White Towel 2018-07-18T17:53:25.136Z
Davis Drewiske(D)|
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Drewiske has been a player who, he has some reads on the offensive part. He jumped up in the play last night a couple times to put a stressed attack on the defending team. That’s a good thing. That’s what we like. So we’ll just keep moving on, through these next games, and see how it all works.

Drewiske could see an uptick in playing time but won't light the lamp with any frequency. He never scored more than five goals in any professional season making a breakout at 26 completely unlikely.

Source:
LA Kings Insider 2011-09-28T22:40:47.000Z
Davis Drewiske
Trent Hunter(RW)|INA
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His skating is really good. I know he had the operation and went through the time he missed last season. He worked extremely hard in the offseason to get himself back on top of his game. He has come in and proven that to us, that he’s in great shape. I thought, last night, he made some outstanding plays on some breakouts coming out of his own end, making plays off the boards. That’s as good as it gets, on four or five of those looks. So, his game has been good.

Certainly sounds like Hunter will make the team. Last season he only produced four points in 17 games but topped 10 goals six times and 20 goals twice over his seven-year career. Expect him to sign with the Kings shortly.

Source:
LA Kings Insider 2018-07-18T17:53:34.803Z
Andrei Loktionov(C)|
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But I’m very happy with how Loktionov has gone through the training camp also

Loktionov likely starts the season with the Manchester Monarchs. Last season he scored four goals and seven points over 19 games with the team but scored eight goals and 31 points through 34 games in the AHL. Expect him to get a call when one of the team's four centermen get hurt.

Source:
LA Kings Insider 2011-09-28T22:32:55.000Z
Andrei Loktionov
Craig Smith(C)|FA
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The Predators’ rookie will play his first game in Bridgestone Arena this evening. It will give Nashville fans their first chance to see Smith, the Predators’ top forward prospect. And Nashville Coach Barry Trotz expects to play Smith in a big role. Like a first line center role.

Smith impressed at this summer's World Championships and should continue to impress the team's brass. Last season the Wisconsin native scored 19 goals and 43 points with his hometown University. Keep an eye on him as he should play a big role on the team this season.

Source:
Predators Insider 2011-09-28T16:14:32.000Z
Craig Smith
Steve Kampfer(RD)|FA
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Competition for a berth on the Boston blueline is getting fierce, what with Matt Bartkowski and Steve Kampfer both making a bid for playing time with the big club.

Kampfer could make the team in place of Joe Corvo or receive one of the first callups. Last season, the Ann Arbor, MI native scored three goals and 16 points in 22 games with the Providence Bruins and five goals and 10 points with the Bruins. He likely won't hold too much fantasy hockey value this season unless he again sees regular playing time with Zdeno Chara.

Source:
The Official Tumblr Home of the Boston Bruins 2011-09-28T16:10:47.000Z
Steve Kampfer
Matt Bartkowski(LD)|FA
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Competition for a berth on the Boston blueline is getting fierce, what with Matt Bartkowski and Steve Kampfer both making a bid for playing time with the big club.

Bartkowski could make the team in place of Joe Corvo or receive one of the first callups. Last season, the Pittsburgh native scored five goals and 23 points in 69 games with the Providence Bruins. He likely won't hold too much fantasy hockey value this season

Source:
The Official Tumblr Home of the Boston Bruins 2011-09-28T16:08:48.000Z
Matt Bartkowski
Kyle Palmieri(C)|NYI
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As far as Palmieri, Carlyle expressed disappointment in the winger’s performance overall as his play didn’t approach what he showed with the Crunch last season when he led them with 29 goals.

Palmieri failed to show up despite having a chance to earn playing time during training camp. The former 26th overall pick still led the Syracuse Crunch in goals last season and should be considered a top prospect. Look for him to get called up if any significant offensive player gets hurt.

Source:
OC Register Ducks Blog 2011-09-28T15:58:33.000Z
Kyle Palmieri
Peter Holland(C)|
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In talking about Holland, Carlyle said “it’s not if he’s going to play in the NHL, it’s going to be when.” “He wasn’t going to play the 12-plus minutes here so it’s better for him to battle-test himself in the American Hockey League and prove that he’s the best player for the Syracuse hockey club. We’ll have people monitor his growth and his development and the way he is playing.

Sounds like Holland will be the first callup should anyone from the third line or up get injured. Last season, the former 15th overall pick scored 37 goals and 88 points for the Guelph Storm of the OHL. Look for him to continue his development with the Syracuse Crunch.

Source:
OC Register Ducks Blog 2011-09-28T15:55:52.000Z
Peter Holland
Matt Beleskey(LW)|FA
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Matt Beleskey (shoulder) might be game-time decision

More good news for Beleskey, who battled injuries all last season. The 23-year-old proved in the past he can fill the back of the net when he scored 11 goals in 60 games back in 2009-2010. With most of the team's youngsters under-performing in training camp, expect Beleskey to earn a role.

Source:
Eric Stephens 2011-09-28T15:46:11.000Z
Matt Beleskey

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.