Boston Bruins: Assessing the battle for fourth line spots
By jc
The Boston Bruins were a true four line team last season. No forward averaged less than 12 minutes on ice in the regular season and the playoffs. That kind of depth up front helped push the Bruins all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
Bruce Cassidy had a few different fourth line combinations last year, but he pretty much relied on the same four players: Sean Kuraly, Chris Wagner, Noel Acciari, and Joakim Nordstrom.
Kuraly, Wagner, and Nordstrom all return for Boston this year, so we’ve more of the same on the fourth line. Cassidy, however, does have a few different options from which to choose.
Kuraly, Wagner, Nordstrom
Let’s start with Cassidy’s preferred fourth line combination: Kuraly, Wagner, and Nordstrom. As long as these three players are healthy, they are indeed the best options on the fourth line.
Like prototypical fourth liners, Kuraly, Wagner, and Nordstrom can grind and wear down their opponents. They can offer that bit of sandpaper teams need in the bottom-six. All three players are solid along the boards, and they can win puck battles.
When it comes to this trio, Kuraly is the straw that stirs the drink. He has elite speed, so he can outskate almost any fourth line opponent. As a result, Kuraly can dictate play against favorable matchups.
Kuraly’s skating helps create opportunities for someone like Wagner. Wagner enjoyed his best offensive last year. He finished with 12 goals, five more than his next best season. Wagner won’t be confused for a sniper, but he does offer nice production on the fourth line.
Nordstrom lines up on the left wing, and he’s a solid defensive player. He rarely makes mistakes, and he blocks a lot of shots.
What sets this group apart from other fourth line options is skating. Kuraly, Wagner, and Nordstrom all have above-average speed, so they can keep up with the pace of play
Gone are the days of the big, slow bruisers that once dominated fourth lines. Kuraly, Wagner, and Nordstrom represent a new wave of fourth liners.