The fourth line

As I thought about the absence of Thornton and Willsie from the lineup, I remembered something that Crawford said during training camp about the fourth line. He talked about how they could use it differently depending on which team they're playing. If they're expecting a more physical game, they could go with one group, and a different group if they're expected a more ``skilled'' game. So this could be something we see for a while.

Then again, there's always the possibility of a trade. Lombardi has talked about it before, in general. His theory is that if a young player comes in and beats out a veteran, it gives him the opportunity to trade the veteran for a draft pick or another young player. I'm not saying that will happen with Thornton and/or Willsie, but it's never out of the question.