Line Chemistry....?

I like all the above.When I think of a great line I think of the "Legion of Doom" line.You had Lindros a bruiser who had nice touch for a big man,Leclair who had sniper ability for a big man and a guy you were not knocking from the front of the net and then Mikeal Renberg who was an underrated scorer.All those variables made a line that people will talk aboot for a long time.I guess the 99, Kurri and Tikkanen line was pretty good as well.LOL

I think most coaches try and go for a mixture of those players. They generally do that for the hopes that each part of the game is being covered by those men. Now this is where a coach working the line changes make a difference. Of course you want your grinders to draw out a lead. Your snipers & playmakers out when it's time to catch up. This is why having the last change is such a big deal in todays game.So in my mind a good NHL line is proven when used in the right situation.

When I think of line chemistry, I immediately think of the Russian 5 for Detroit back in the 90's.

Another great line (from Detroit, sorry) is their current starting line of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Holmstrom. You have Datsyuk (the flashy playmaker), Zetterberg (the defensive minded goal machine), and Holmstrom (the massive Neanderthal that screens the goalie).

I think that lines in hockey can only be good when the players on it trust and appreciate each other. You can go with the different player types or with simmilar (a la Grind Line) and still get amazing results

Sorry for all the homerism

Line chemistry is everything. I always think it has more to do with the players personalities than type of players. I have seen this happen on teams I have played on. Just the personality type of the players and throw them on the ice as a unit and great things happen, even if they have never played together before .The type of line can be determined more due to the personality of the players on it then skills.

I have always felt that lines with a mix of players...make the best lines, but I think chemistry is something that is more mystical, and can't quite be put into words. I have known a few players that were really good friends, but couldn't play together worth a crap...and I have know players that don't even speak the same language but play hockey together like they share the same brain. Think of it this way: You have a really awesome dog, and a really awesome cat....you move them into the same house. Are they still going to be awesome? You just don't know...you have to wait and see if there is chemistry.

I think most good lines have a playmaker. Slick guy who can pass the puck or create his own shot. A speed guy who can breakdown a defense with his speed and a power guy who can hit hard and take the puck out of the corner and camp in front of the net for rebounds.

Of course there are players in the league who can either fill al 3 spots by themselves, or have such unusual talent that they can change how defenses play by themselves.

a good line has players that are friends.. u cant just stick 3 ppl on a line and say "go for it!" they have to be good enough friends that they can communicate to each other what plays they wanna make or whos open and whos not.. skill level is not ALWAYS the key.. unless its a power line

a mix of types that like each other

I usually go with two fat guys, one skinny guy, and one normal guy.