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

NHL Scratches & Line Changes

Patrick Kane(RW)|CHI
Line Change
Line Change
"We might try Kane at center," Quenneville said. "He's been playing center throughout scrimmages and practices now. We'll see."

Kane has played center most of his career, so the transition should be natural. He scored 27 goals and 73 points in 73 games for the Blackhawks last season. Expect similar production this season even though he is still recovering from offseason surgery.

Source:
Chicago Tribune 2011-09-26T15:39:39.000Z
Patrick Kane
Tim Kennedy(LW)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
After a second wave of 13 cuts Saturday that reduced the roster to 32, Kennedy’s odds have improved, especially after notching the game-winning goal in Monday’s win over the Predators and two assists in Saturday’s loss to the Lightning.

Too good for the AHL, Kennedy could make the team as a spare forward. He scored 12 goals and 42 points with the Connecticut Whale next season. The 26-year-old could score 10 goals if he plays for a full season.

Source:
Sun-Sentinel 2018-07-18T17:53:33.367Z
Brad Boyes(RW)|
Line Change
Line Change
Boyes will be allowed to rejoin the team for their October 4 preseason game in Germany against Adler Mannheim.

Boyes will only miss two preseason games which does not affect his fantasy value. Boyes scored 17 goals and 55 points last season splitting time between the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues. He figures to start the season on the third line but could get similar production on an upbeat Sabres offense.

Source:
NHLhotstove.com 2011-09-25T18:38:36.000Z
Brad Boyes
Mark Mancari(RW)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
Mancari has greater potential because he can also man the point and played in Buffalo last season.

Signed to a one-way deal, Mancari should make the team playing right wing on the fourth line. The 26-year-old scored a goal and eight points through 20 games last season. He figures to get some PP time as well.

Source:
The White Towel 2018-07-18T17:53:25.134Z
Cody Hodgson(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
As for Hodgson, he has yet to record a point in three outings, but his pace and awareness seem better. His biggest test could come later in the week to see if he can mesh with the veteran core.

Hodgson should remain the frontrunner to replace Ryan Kesler on the second line. The former 10th overall pick scored 17 goals and 30 points through 52 games for the Manitoba Moose last season. He could mesh well with veterans Mikael Samuelsson and Christopher Higgins.

Source:
The White Towel 2011-09-25T18:12:14.000Z
Cody Hodgson
Jordan Schroeder(C)|
Line Change
Line Change
Playing his fourth game Sunday is significant and could determine whether the 2009 first-round pick stays this week. It’s been a long climb back into the good books for the diminutive centre who had just 10 goals with the Manitoba Moose last season in a tough transition to pro. He wasn’t among players recalled by the Canucks once the AHL team was eliminated from the postseason.

Schroeder could challenge for the second or third line center spot. The former 22nd overall pick scored 10 goals and 28 points through his first 61 games in the AHL. Look for him to challenge for a roster spot by the end of the season if the preseason is any indication.

Source:
The White Towel 2011-09-25T18:09:57.000Z
Jordan Schroeder
Marcus Johansson(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
But after practice, Boudreau cautioned that Johansson's cold was the reason Backstrom was slotted on the top line. Look for a return to Ovechkin-Johansson-Brouwuer vs. Columbus.

Johansson scored 13 goals and 27 points in his first 69 NHL games. He should be centering the top line and Alex Ovechkin once healed.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:46:01.000Z
Marcus Johansson
Nicklas Backstrom(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Ovechkin and Backstrom were laughing and chatting before practice like two old buddies who hadn't seen each other in a while. They were wearing matching red jerseys, too, possibly indicating a reunion for Monday night's game against the Blue Jackets.

Good news for Backstrom owners who expected him to play on the top line by default. Coming off his worst professional season, the former fourth overall pick will be tested all season. Expect Marcus Johansson to occasionally sub in on the top line, taking value away from Backstrom.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:41:44.000Z
Nicklas Backstrom
Casey Wellman(C)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
At forward: Casey Wellman, and in a bit of a surprise, Brett Bulmer.

Wellman could be ready for the next step after playing most of last season in Houston. The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and 35 points in 42 games with the Aeros and could make the team as a third liner. His ceiling could be around 20 goals if given ample playing time in Minnesota.

Source:
Star Tribune 2018-07-18T17:53:14.695Z
Brett Bulmer(RW)|
Line Change
Line Change
At forward: Casey Wellman, and in a bit of a surprise, Brett Bulmer.

Bulmer plays a rugged two-way game and could fit in on a bottom line. Last season, the left wing scored 18 goals and 49 poiints in 57 games playing for the Kelowna Rockets.

Source:
Star Tribune 2011-09-25T17:34:02.000Z
Brett Bulmer
Marco Scandella(LD)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
On the blue line: Marco Scandella, Justin Falk and Nate Prosser (at least one more cut will definitely come if Lundin is ready to start the season)

The Wild carried eight defensemen at times next year so expect only one of the three youngters to get sent down. Of the three, Scandella has the highest upside but would be used as a 5th or 6th defender. Last season he produced two assists in his first NHL campaign. Look for Scandella to improve those point totals in his first full season.

Source:
Star Tribune 2011-09-25T17:32:21.000Z
Marco Scandella
Niklas Kronwall(LD)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
With Brian Rafalski retiring in the offseason and Nicklas Lidstrom entering potentially his final season, Kronwall’s value has never been higher.

With Nicklas Lidstrom also pondering retirement, Kronwall's becomes an even more important cog in the Red Wings's system. Last season he scored 11 goals and 37 points in 77 games. Look for him to top those stats this season.

Source:
Mlive.com 2011-09-25T10:54:14.000Z
Niklas Kronwall
Jonas Hiller(G)|
Line Change
Line Change
Vancouver, Canada —— Jonas Hiller returned after missing six months because of vertigo and stopped all 21 shots he faced through two periods to lead the Ducks to a 4-1 preseason win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.

Great sign for the vertigo-laden Hiller. Should he continue this path, all concerns over his ailment will slowly disappear. Feel safer drafting/keeping the Swiss 'tender.

Source:
LA Times (AP) 2011-09-25T10:35:07.000Z
Jonas Hiller
Jaroslav Halak(G)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Preparing for a more consistent campaign in 2011-12, Halak has addressed concerns the Blues had about his fitness with a productive summer of training that included drenching bike rides through the hills of his native Bratislava, Slovokia. But whether he's better equipped to handle the ups and downs of an 82-game season, not even he knows that answer.

Last season Halak struggled with his consistency, eventually even getting sidelined. Through a career-high 57 games played, the Slovakian netminder posted a respectable 2.48 GAA but saw his SV% drop from .924 to .910. Expect a more consistent performance in year two.

Source:
St. Louis Post-Dispa 2011-09-25T10:33:07.000Z
Jaroslav Halak
Lauri Korpikoski(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Many thought Coyotes forward Lauri Korpikoski had a breakout season in 2010-11. Just wait, says General Manager Don Maloney, the best is yet to come.

Korpikoski could play a much bigger role due to departures and the Kyle Turris holdout. Last season the Finnish forward scored 19 goals and 40 points. Look for him to top 20 goals and approach 50 points over a full season if given the ice time.

Source:
AZ Central 2011-09-25T10:22:23.000Z
Lauri Korpikoski
Brad Thiessen(G)|
Line Change
Line Change
There is, simply put, nothing Thiessen can do to earn a spot on the Penguins' opening-night roster.

The 25-year-old will be demoted to the AHL at the end of training camp. Thiessen won 35 of his 46 starts last season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Should Marc-Andre Fleury get hurt, the Pens have a solid contingency plan.

Source:
Pittsburgh Post-Gaze 2011-09-25T10:19:46.000Z
Brad Thiessen
Viktor Stalberg(LW)|
Line Change
Line Change
"These two games I feel like I've been able to use my speed a little better in getting around defensemen, getting toward the net and creating chances in better scoring areas," Stalberg said. "That's what I have to do."

Stalberg could continue to see time along Jonathan Toews during the regular season. In his first season with the Blackhawks, the Swede scored 12 goals and 24 points. Look for those totals to increase in his second season with the organization.

Source:
Chicago Tribune 2011-09-25T10:15:52.000Z
Viktor Stalberg
Mark Fraser(D)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
I thought Mark Fraser had a real good game on defense. I thought he did a good job.

Fraser found his way into 94 games over the past three seasons which all-but-guarantees a roster spot. He posted two assists in 26 games last season. At this point he holds very limited fantasy value.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-24T23:22:02.000Z
Mark Fraser

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.