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NHL Scratches & Line Changes

Jeff Deslauriers(Goalie)(G)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Signed this summer largely because of a goaltending situation that had deteriorated in Syracuse, Jeff Deslauriers is showing himself to be a potentially solid insurance policy.

Deslauriers could see NHL action this season should Jonas Hiller or Dan Ellis get hurt. After losing 28 of 48 starts in 2009-2010, JDD was banished to the AHL by the lowly Oilers. He holds a very good chance at seeing some action with the Ducks at some point this year.

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OC Register Ducks Blog 2018-07-18T17:53:20.737Z

Jordan Schroeder(Center)(C)|

Line Change

The 2009 first-round draft choice struggled with expectation and accountability but has looked like a different player. His stride is stronger, his commitment to play in traffic is better and the diminutive centre has caught the coach’s eye.

Schroeder has a chance to earn the third line center job with Ryan Kesler and Manny Malhotra both nursing injuries. Look for the second-year pro to make the decision increasingly hard for his coaches.

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The White Towel 2011-09-27T08:02:27.000Z

Tommy Wingels(Center)(C)|

Line Change

McLellan didn’t spell out which player Wingels would be replacing, but it’s clear that Michal Handzus and Torrey Mitchell fill two slots — and that would leave Jamie McGinn as the odd man out, for now at least.

Wingels will get a shot on the third line after mostly centering the fourth line last season. Last season he played five games with the Sharks with a minus-1 rating. After scoring 17 goals last season for the Worchester Sharks, Wingels could pot a few goals on the third line.

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Working the Corners 2011-09-26T21:29:56.000Z

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

Line Change

Saad is still a long shot to make the team, but Joel Quenneville intimated he’ll play in his team-high fifth preseason game Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks are looking long and hard at Saad and there is always a chance the Hawks may keep him for a short period of time after the regular season begins. He can play up to nine games without starting the clock on his pro career and still be sent back to juniors.

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 2011-09-26T21:06:33.000Z

Trent Hunter(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

I want to play him. I want to give him some more games and give him a fair opportunity. We’re moving him up in the lineup tomorrow, with the look that he will have, and he might play two, three more games out of these four games that we have left. I like what he’s done.

Hunter could take Scott Parse's job on the third line. Last season, he was relegated to only 17 games where he potted a goal and four points. If he makes the team, he should score at least 10-15 goals but won't win any footraces.

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LA Kings Insider 2018-07-18T17:53:34.801Z

Ben Bishop(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

"Right now, I think you're looking at an incomplete picture," Payne said. "They each played one good game. The second game that Brian got in, there was a goal there (that Elliott would like to have back).

Both Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop have a chance at taking games away from Jaroslav Halak. The 24-year-old posted a 3-4-0 record last season with a 2.77 GAA and .899 SV%. He would be the more high-end option of the two and probably would be called up if Halak was injured.

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011-09-26T20:02:39.000Z

Brian Elliott(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Both Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop have a chance at taking games away from Jaroslav Halak. Elliott, as the more established option, was the starting goalie for both the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators -- performing poorly with both clubs. He will be out to prove his down season was a result of a poor team and not his skill level.

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011-09-26T20:00:03.000Z

Tomas Tatar(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

We thought he was going to bring some energy, give us some good depth, but with Ryan Johnson and (Cory) Emmerton, (Fabian) Brunnstrom, (Tomas) Tatar, we've got some guys that can continue to push and give us depth.

Tatar is the team's top forward prospect. Last season, Tatar scored 24 goals and 57 points with the team's minor league affiliate Grand Rapid Griffins, earning a nine-game audition with the big club. He likely only makes the team if an offensive role opens up for him.

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Mlive.com 2011-09-26T19:51:25.000Z

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

Line Change

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, keep the Swedish import in the very back of your mind.

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Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:18.390Z

Ryan Johnson(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Johnson could provide depth as a forward that does not need to play every night. Last season he scored a goal and six points in 34 games on the Blackhawks fourth line. Right now he faces slim odds with higher upside players in that same competition.

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Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:30.694Z

Cory Emmerton(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Emmerton might have made the team anyway, but Mursak's injury probably assures him of a spot.

In his third full AHL season, Emmerton scored 12 goals and 38 points. The former second round pick should make the team out of camp and provide some energy to a bottom line.

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Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:15.986Z

Dmitry Orlov(Defenseman)(D)|San Jose Sharks SJS

Line Change

Part of the reason for Orlov remaining in Washington could also be that the Capitals might need an extra defenseman if John Erskine is unable to suit up for the start of the regular season.

Orlov probably tops the team's depth chart in Hershey. Last season, the Russian expatriate scored two goals and nine points in 19 games with the Bears. He should get a chance to play on the bottom pairing and could even chip in some points if paired with Dennis Wideman.

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Capitals Insider 2011-09-26T18:08:31.000Z

Eddie Lack(Goalie)(G)|

Line Change

That, Eddie Lack is. What he is not is ready to be a backup in the NHL. Not yet.

With Cory Schneider already entrenched in the backup role and Roberto Luongo the clear-cut starting goalie, Lack will start the year in Chicago. Last season, he posted a respectable 2.26 GAA and .926 SV% while playing for the Manitoba Moose. If Schneider or Luongo is moved, look for Lack to have the inside track on the backup job.

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The White Towel 2011-09-26T17:40:34.000Z

Petr Sykora(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

The first practice group included a line with Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora together with Zach Parise at left wing.

Sykora was reunited with longtime teammate Elias in an attempt to give Sykora a deeper look. In his last NHL season, the Plzen, Czech Republic native scored two goals and an assist with the Minnesota Wild back in 2009. Look for the former Devil to make the team out of camp.

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NJ.com 2018-07-18T17:53:29.327Z

Keith Aulie(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Leafs coach Ron Wilson said Keith Aulie — who had a decent rookie debut last year — is in a fight for his job on the Toronto blue line.

Aulie finished the year alongside Dion Phaneuf, forming the team's shutdown pairing. While he only scored two goals and added no assists to his 40 games played, the former 4th rounder added tremendous value to James Reimer. Look for Aulie to make the team and push a veteran like John Michael Liles or Cody Franson down a pairing.

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The Star 2011-09-26T16:47:38.000Z

Matthew Lombardi(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Of note, though, is Matt Lombardi, who has been cleared for full contact practice for time since camp began (he’s rehabbing from a concussion). Lombardi is a real threat to Darryl Boyce and Phillipe Dupuis for the fourth line centre job.

Sounds like the speedy Lombardi will start the season on the fourth line as he eases back into an NHL role. Last season he managed to only play two games following a concussion. He could be a very valuable contingency plan should he bounce back.

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The Star 2018-07-18T17:53:25.956Z

Linus Omark(Left Wing)(LW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

CALGARY - Flash was a fixture of Linus Omark’s game, but it isn’t going to guarantee him a spot on the roster, so the Swedish winger has made an effort in three pre-season games to play a more conservative game.

Omark will tone down his offensive play in hopes of becoming a valuable, two-way player. The uber-talented Swede scored five goals and 27 points last season but carried a minus-16 rating. He should make the team and come close to 15 goals over a full season.

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Edmonton Journal 2018-07-18T17:53:24.365Z

Scott Parse(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Terry Murray spoke further about his displeasure with Scott Parse’s play and said there would be competition for that third-line right-wing spot.

After teasing the Kings for the last two seasons, Parse may not be good enough to earn a spot on the third line. Relegated to only five games last season, the 27-year-old likely needs more time to get his timing down. No reason to draft him until he re-earns his playing time.

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LA Kings Insider 2018-07-18T17:53:31.730Z

Eric Tangradi(Left Wing)(LW)|

Line Change

He hasn't shown that yet, and if he doesn't against the Kings the bet here is he won't get too many more chances in this camp.

Tangradi was once the team's top prospect but his stock somewhat fell. Last season, he scored 18 goals and 33 points through 42 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Expect him to get a look at some point with the Pens this season.

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Chipped Ice 2011-09-26T16:10:11.000Z

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

Line Change

Quenneville indicated the 20-year-old Pirri isn’t necessarily on the cusp of playing in the NHL, but he’s one of those guys the Hawks might have to count on at the center position if there are injuries. He was recalled from Rockford for one game last season.

Sounds like Pirri will at least start the season in the AHL. The 20-year-old managed to score 12 goals and 43 points through 70 games last season for the Rockford IceHogs. He should be one of the first callups for the Blackhawks this year.

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ESPN Chicago 2011-09-26T15:41:14.000Z

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.