Forward • The
first line is usually composed of the best offensive players on the team. Teams rely heavily on this line, which generates the bulk of the team's scoring. These players often see the highest number of minutes among forwards in a game and are usually part of the team's
starting lineup. • The
second line is generally composed of second-tier offensive players, and helps by adding supplementary offense to that generated by the first line while contributing more
two-way play than the offensively-focused scoring line. Higher end (typically first line) players may be put on the second line to spread scoring across the lineup, making a team more difficult for opponents to defend against. This frequently happens when a team has two high-end players who play the same position. • The
third line is often called the
checking line, and is generally made up of more defensively oriented forwards and
grinders. This line is often played against an opponent's first or second lines in an effort to reduce their scoring, and physically wear them down. The third line adds less offense than the first or second lines, but generally more than the fourth. • The
fourth line is often called the "energy line," both because their shifts give other players a chance to rest, and because their physically oriented play is said to give their teammates an emotional boost. Traditionally it was composed of journeymen with limited scoring potential, but strong physical play and, as often as possible, strong skating abilities. With the smallest amount of ice time, they tend to play in short bursts rather than pace themselves.
Pests and
enforcers usually play the fourth line, as do centres whose primary skill is winning
faceoffs. The fourth line can be a checking line. With the rise of analytics, the traditional fourth line of enforcers is being replaced by more skilled players.
Defence Defencemen operate in pairs rather than trios. The top pairing consists of the two strongest defenders on the team, and may play up to 30 minutes per game. Offensive defencemen may be placed on any pairing, while "stay-at-home" defenders typically play on the third pair. Coaches may also choose to pair a more offensively-minded defender with a more defensive player. ==Special teams==