A healthy Mike Fisher is one of the better checking line players in the league. Unfortunately, he just can’t seem to stay healthy with his style of play.
Peter Schaefer is another great checking line player.
Sami Kapanen has been playing the role as checking line winger for the Flyers since the beginning of this season. He is getting a lot of PK time and has been playing really well. Since is offense has basically disappeard someone with his speed and tenasity is a perfect fit for a shutdown line.
When the Oilers RPM line (Reasoner-Pisani-Moreau) is healthy, they are one of the best shut down lines in the league, unfortunately Reasoner's been out too too long, and Moreau is in and out of the line-up with shoulder problems; but dating back to last season when the line was put together, they have delivered consistently.
The Polish Prince is a top-six winger or nothing at all. If he's playing on a checking line it's because he's in the doghouse with whoever his coach amy be, not for his defensive skill.
That said, I do detect a hint of sarcasm in that post....
When the Oilers RPM line (Reasoner-Pisani-Moreau) is healthy, they are one of the best shut down lines in the league, unfortunately Reasoner's been out too too long, and Moreau is in and out of the line-up with shoulder problems; but dating back to last season when the line was put together, they have delivered consistently.
RPM has been our best line when they've been together, in my opinion. Reasoner's the best guy on that line. I think it's no coincidence our losing streak has occured while he was out.
There are a lot of good checking lines in the league, howver, if you want to talk about certain players, Craig Conroy and Stephan Yelle have to be near or at the top of the league as far as defensive specialist forwards in the NHL.
Curtis Brown is pretty underrated around these boards.People think he is overpaid at 1.8 million, yet he has been Buffalo's best defensive player for the past 5 years (His defensive play is better then Peca's yet less physical) and he gets at least 30 points a year.I think he's worth 1.8 million IMO.
This thread shouldv'e been titled: "Name the checking line players on your favourite team"....
Yeah, reading the replies here, you'd think there's about 60 best checking liners in the league. So let's just say they're all good and call it a day already.
High praise from John Madden the other day with regards to his comments on Jay Pandolfo being the heart and soul of the New Jersey Devils this season along with being one of the most underrated players in the league.
I've always thought that if the Canucks ever got John Madden, that Cooke/Madden/Linden would be the best checking line in the league, bar none.
Madden is indeed the best checker in the league. I like Linden for experience, forechecking, size, strength, and he's clutch. Cooke gives the line a bit of pest-quality, along with a bit of good everything.
