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The NHL equivalent to Black Friday is approaching. On July 1st teams will be scrambling to get their free agents. This year’s options are some of the deepest we have seen for some time. However, some of these players will face tough choices. Two team legends will need to decide to either stay and cement their legacy, or face a new challenge elsewhere. Here are the 4th Line’s top five choices: Alex Ovechkin It feels weird that Ovi will officially be a free agent this summer. His 13-year $124 million dollar Caps contract has run dry. Word around D.C is that Ovechkin is keen toRead More →

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After the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 win over Montreal, one fact became clear. Thatcher Demko is the clear first choice in net. His eight straight starts are an indicator that his form is paying off. Particularly as he has won seven of those starts. While Vancouver is in the process of patching this season together, Demko has been a ray of light. This franchise has never handled goalie situations well. Remember the horrific ending of the Cory Schneider/Roberto Luongo fiasco? Then its terrible sequel: Luongo/Eddie Lack! Well, it appears we have another contender in our midst. Embed from Getty Images Canucks fans howled when Jacob MarkstromRead More →

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As we mentioned in one of our previous articles, the Buffalo Sabres are looking at losing key stars. Jack Eichel and Taylor Hall are both showing obvious signs of displeasure. Based on how this season is progressing, it seems only a matter of time before they are on the trading block. In the past, we have had a number of NHL trades that have been difficult, surprising or even game-changing. The trades listed below didn’t all happen because things were running smoothly and often they have caught fans, players and front-office personnel off guard. Let’s look at some of the best NHL trade sagas. PerhapsRead More →

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On Thursday Jack Eichel was left out of the Buffalo lineup against New Jersey. Trade rumours are swirling once again. This ugly marriage has hit another speed bump. The Sabres and their marquee captain are in another untenable situation. Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this and unless things change drastically it won’t be the last. As much as he is beloved in Buffalo, Sabres fans have to ask themselves how much longer can this drag on? Should the Sabres trade Eichel and risk more obscurity or is he a talent worth keeping? Alex Watson, Mike Laybourne, Brodie Cotnam and Joe Martini areRead More →

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#FireBenning is trending once again, but when hasn’t it been for Vancouver fans? It’s been a bad week for hockey in B.C. and last night’s 5-1 loss in Toronto confirmed the underlying issues. Like so many off-seasons before it, fans called into question the moves made by GM Jim Benning. This team has serious potential, but it appears like this might be another learning year for the Canucks. After a great four-win streak, they are now winless in February. Currently, Vancouver’s record stands at 6-9-0, which in a competitive division might not seem terrible, however, there’s no denying that they lack sharpness and competency atRead More →

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One of the most glittering hockey dynasties came to an end this week. After 15 seasons, Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers have parted ways. The King had the last year of his contract bought out and now he faces free agency for the first time. I’m sure this was not the end they envisioned, but it was a respectful and amicable one. Tributes from the Rangers brass and fans have flooded in and they know for sure just how much gratitude they owe him. Lundqvist will always remain a legend in the Big Apple. Voted Rangers MVP no fewer than nine times andRead More →

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“Republicans buy shoes too” we heard a young Michael Jordan say when he was asked to back a young black politician in his home state. And it’s been a quote that has haunted Jordan’s life since it was published in Sam Smith’s book “The Second Coming.” For all the accomplishments that Michael Jordan has had, the championships, the Olympic glory, the records, the prestige, the sneakers, the title of best basketball player of all time, this quote has followed him as an example of his so-called apolitical and pro-capitalist over everything stance. It spits in the face of the image of the strong leader thatRead More →

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When signing a new player, the dollar amount on the contract is key. I recently wrote a piece on Vancouver’s potential cap space issues. They have a lot of average players on big-money ‘no-trade’ contracts. Often, teams will shell out big bucks to get their man. However, this does not always guarantee success. For every Connor McDavid, there is an overpaid Loui Eriksson. NHL contracts are always closely scrutinized, here are some of the worst offenders. 1. Rick DiPietro In 2006, the New York Islanders were so confident in the ability of their starting goalie. DiPietro became the first-ever goalie to be drafted first overallRead More →

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While fans lie in wait for the NHL Awards, today the Hart Trophy nominees were revealed. The trio of players nominated might not have caused a major shock. However, each of these players deserves to be considered the leagues elite. Which player deserves to win? Winning the Hart trophy will put a player among greats like Gretzky and Orr. Leon Draisaitl | Nathan MacKinnon (@Mackinnon9) | @artemiypanarin Your 2020 Hart Trophy finalists. #NHLAwards More from @NHLdotcom ➡️ https://t.co/QWVvSBW4jE pic.twitter.com/7rsJhIAfbY — NHL (@NHL) July 21, 2020 Today the 4th Line Podcast will debate which of the three players is the most worthy winner. Firstly, Joe Martini,Read More →

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Do you remember what made you fall in love with your favorite NHL team? Were you swooned by their flashy colors and fearsome logo? Were you taken to a game by your dad as youngster? Maybe you were born into tradition, or your hometown adopted a relocation or was awarded a franchise. Perhaps you saw Claude Lemiuex and Darren McCarty spearhead the most vicious rivalry in all of sports history live on television. All of us were taken on a different path, some short, some longer, to find that one team we call our own. We immerse ourselves and in essence we become a partRead More →