Edmonton Oilers: Ode to the Working Man

You can have your Sidney Crosbys, Jonathan Toews's, and Marc Savards. When it comes to hockey, there's nothing like a bumper and grinder—and I say this with absolutely no sarcasm or condescension.

This style of hockey, most often seen in Western Conference teams—and, as of late, with the Edmonton Oilers—is the spitting image of what stereotypical hockey is like.  

If you ask a normal, everyday person, who does not watch hockey, what they think hockey is, the answer given usually has something to do with fighting, hitting, and checking. Meat and potatoes hockey.

Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin can be glorified and placed on the highest of pedestals for their sleek moves, amazing goals, and seemingly unbeatable talent. I am among those who are in awe of their skill. However, there are many guys who are passed over who play an undeniably important role.

Players like Zack Stortini, Jason Strudwick, Liam Reddox, Ethan Moreau, and Steve Staios are often overshadowed by their high-scoring teammates Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Ales Hemsky, and sometimes Shawn Horcoff.  But without them, a team that is already suffering would be dying in the depths of the Western Conference.

A good game of hockey cannot be played without a few strong hands and some hard-working grinders.  Monday night's game against the New York Islanders is the perfect example.  

First-line guys might get the media attention, but when the fourth line is the one able to do the work, the fans pay attention. The line of Kyle Brodziak, Stortini, and Strudwick was responsible for two of the three goals in last night's game, and was easily the best line on the ice.  

On a team that is seriously lacking a competent and consistent forecheck, Stortini was able to produce a forecheck that was both consistent and competent. Strudwick was responsible for the first two goals, even though he was only credited for one, his first as an Oiler. Brodziak filled out the line with a talent that seems most productive between two hard-nosed grinders.

Never underestimate the power of a fourth line. They may get few minutes, but those that they do are usually played hard and played well. These are the players who have something to prove, after all, and are the most likely candidates on the theoretical chopping block to round out a trade. They have to play well or else risk not playing at all.

Last night, Edmonton's fourth line definitely proved that they want to play.