Fourth lines are usually known for their defensive and physical prowess rather than offensive abilities. However, the trio for the Utah Hockey Club has done just about everything and have been important for the team’s recent success. Forwards Michael Carcone, Kevin Stenlund and Alexander Kerfoot have been some of the team’s x-factors during their current point streak. The line has stepped up and has turned Utah’s season around after having gone through its worst stretch. Now, they’re just three points shy of a wild card spot and are looking to continue moving in the right direction.
Fourth Line Helping Rest of Team
Each player on the line has the ability to wear down the opposing team by grinding out every shift. Whenever on the ice, they never stop moving and have immense hockey iqs. It may not be one of the top lines in the league, but the trio is making a case as one of the league’s best fourth lines.
Utah has won four out of the last five games, securing points in each game for its longest point streak of the season. The one setback came in a shootout loss against the Minnesota Wild, the fourth best team in the league. At first it seemed like Utah had no way of escaping the previous slump, but the team rallied behind the fourth line. The line has only allowed five goals all season and all three forwards have scored multiple goals in the last eight games.
With most of the team currently playing great hockey, even the fourth line is outperforming even with their ice time. The line has brought physicality and energy to every shift and it’s spreading throughout the lineup. As of late, they haven’t played like a traditional fourth line in terms of providing offence and it’s benefiting Utah.
Carcone and Kerfoot
Carcone is the playdriver and speedster on Utah’s fourth line. He had a career year last season scoring 21 goals in 74 games, despite only averaging 11:16 of ice time. The winger is unlikely to hit that mark this season, however, that hasn’t stopped him from adding offence to the line. Carcone has two goals and two assists in the past five games.
After recording 45 points last season, Kerfoot isn’t putting up points like he used to. However, he’s still a key part of this line. The 30-year-old has the most points and highest plus/minus rating of the three with 12 and +2. Kerfoot has played in all 82 games during each of the last three seasons.
Stenlund Can’t Stop Scoring
Although he isn’t known for his goal scoring, Stenlund has proved that to be wrong. Despite being on the fourth line, the centre has recorded a goal in four of the past five games. The 28-year-old also recorded a point in each of those games. In 81 games last year with the Florida Panthers, the Stanley Cup champion scored 11 goals and totaled 15 points.
If he keeps up this scoring pace, Stenlund should break both career-highs with ease. Standing at 6-foot-4, Stenlund is the tallest forward on Utah’s fourth line and has the most hits among the three with 22. Adding a player that has a winning pedigree has proven useful for Utah because Stenlund knows what it takes to win.
Absolute filth from Carcs and Stenny
pic.twitter.com/N2rPX7UxxM
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 15, 2024
– Carcone and Stenlund combined to score pretty goal against the San Jose Sharks.
Final Thoughts
Utah has found a formidable fourth line in Carcone, Stenlund and Kerfoot. It’s important to have a fourth line that can bring physicality and energy. Now, having one that can score as well is just a bonus for the rest of the team. The line is also playing great defensively, going up against the top players from opposing teams and limiting their scoring. With every area of Utah’s game clicking, the fourth line has been the final piece of the puzzle. This is a big reason why Utah is currently on a five-game point streak.
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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