Lines Of The Fourth Kind

The most debated topic on the Oilers’ roster seems to switch up every week or so. First it was the goaltending issue, then coaching, then the defense, and now we are debating the fourth line. Some feel they do their job quite well, while others feel that they do a very poor job with their position.

Personally, for me, it all depends on the group out there. The Oilers seem to have two different fourth lines, which define the term feast or famine when talking about chances. That said, both lines have a role, and this rotation has shown us each extreme.

The Famine:

The Edmonton Oilers like to bring the beef when they play bigger teams like LA, San Jose, Anaheim and Phoenix, and it is totally understandable. The “famine” line consists of Will Acton at the center spot, with Luke Gazdic and Jesse Joensuu on the wings. Acton is decent in the dot and provides a willing physical player that will grind you down. Same goes for Gazdic, who is willing to hit and fight for his teammates.

Joensuu, when playing with these two, seems to mirror that physical first style of hockey, worrying about the puck and such second. This unit spends a lot of time in their own zone and gives up a lot of chances while not really producing any real offense of their own.

Devan Dubnyk has been sensational when these guys are on the ice, and posts his highest save percentage with this unit. As a result, this line has only given up one goal so far this season, and hasn’t yet been the cause for an Oilers loss.

Now what I said above doesn’t paint a pretty picture, but it isn’t the problem with the Oilers. The fourth line isn’t costing them games yet and is far from the biggest hole on the roster, which is the top-pairing on the blue-line.

The “famine” line does bring the physical game that Eakins seems to like, and this unit is willing to stand tall and drop the gloves on occasion, mainly Gazdic. These guys are there to fill a role, and I’ll give credit where it is due, they fill their role.

They aren’t the best hockey line, and they do struggle, but this unit does have a purpose. Ideally they are the second option and see only a few games against teams that the Oilers are expecting a rough ride against physically, like LA, Boston and Philly. They are better suited for a physical game, there really isn’t much of a debate there.

The Feast:

The other option for Dallas Eakins is a trio I like to call the “Feast” line, featuring Mark Arcobello at center with Joensuu and Ryan Jones on the wings. This line brings some offensive talent to the table in the form of the play making center Arcobello and the gritty winger Jones, while also being a decent defensive group.

Arcobello is solid in the dot and plays a very smart game, chipping in on chances and playing smart, positional, hockey in his own zone. He’s not the biggest guy, but he is a perfect bottom six center for this roster right now. He’s a good advanced stats guy, with respectable corsi numbers, and a good eye test guy as well.

Jones brings energy, just like Gazdic, but with better offensive ability and a little better defensive ability. Jones gets a lot of flack in Edmonton, and some of it is totally justified. Th
at said, Jonsey does a lot of good things and is fine in a fourth line role on a lot of rosters. He’s that gritty, sand-paper winger, who can put in the odd goal or two.

Lastly, Jesse Joensuu looks like a totally different player on this line. We saw it in Nashville on Thursday night, Joensuu playing a physical game while moving the puck. He’s a decent hockey player, a guy with a big frame and a physical mind-set. Every team needs a few players like that, and Jesse is exactly that player for Edmonton. That said, when he is out on the “feast” line, he also seems to be more willing to move the puck. A mind-set change with different linemates? A different mandate from the coach?

This unit gives Edmonton a line that has some offensive flash to it, some energy and some physical play. This line isn’t a defensive liability either and gives Edmonton a line that they can trot out there to compete with other team’s fourth lines. This unit won’t smash someone’s face in or intimidate anyone, but they will certainly play safe and steady hockey for the most part.

Soooooooo….

The Oilers have two kinds of fourth lines they can deploy. They have a good hockey line in Joensuu-Arco-Jones, and a tough, physical group in Joensuu-Acton-Gazdic. Neither line is going to knock your socks off, but both lines serve a purpose and can be deployed from time to time.

If I were coach Eakins, I would use the “Feast” line as the primary option, playing them most nights to allow for a more balanced line-up. That said, when the heavy boys come rolling into town I would be inclined to throw the other unit together, and answer the age old question of where’s the beef.

It all depends on personal preference really, which line you prefer for the Oilers. Me? I like the feast line a bit better, but can see both sides of the argument. Which one do you like Oil Country?