A fourth-line nightmare

Now that I have your attention, I intend to keep it for some real talk about the Laval Rocket, which have been a powerhouse in the American Hockey League.

Kent Hughes, Martin St Louis and Jeff Gorton owe a ton of praise to Adam Nicholas, the organization’s director of player development

Luke Tuch-Florian Xhekaj-Tyler Thorpe

Seriously, this line has it all, and they are all over six foot two, 210 pounds. 

I would pay to watch the fourth line excitedly, full well knowing that the other three lines are handling the offence. 

The fourth line will do that, but they are going to mix it up with the top opposing players, and the top goons. Fisticuffs, physicality and some very quick transitional play through the neutral zone. 

All three love to drive the low-slot, and they have a scoring touch. 

I feel Florian vibes with Thorpe, who can shoot the puck extremely well, is only getting better, and just like No. 63, he has penalty killing traits that lead me to believe he could thrive in such a role at the professional level. 

Tuch is big and stronger, just like his older brother Alex (6 foot 4, 230 pounds) who plays for the Buffalo Sabres. 

Luke is six foot two, 200 pounds, and he plays a physically grinding game, leaning on opponents hard and finishing his check across all three zones. 

No. 17 for Laval is a beast, and I think that he has middle six upside in the CH lineup down the road.

I haven’t seen these three together, but have a feeling that they would be a natural trio. They playing hard, heavy and quick.

All big-bodied, and goal-oriented to the point that they will do things for the benefit of the team, so that the other nine forwards, and the six defenseman don’t have to worry about it.

Xhekaj, Tuch and Thorpe would be described best as the Gordie Howe hat trick if it were a line. Because all three are capable of achieving the feat in the same game - a goal, an assist and a fight - just like Mr. Hockey (Gordie Howe) No. 9 made famous.

You come to watch the stars, but these guys keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a pretty nice bargain when you watch the Rocket play.

The playoffs are looking to be the perfect chance to get a great stretch of hockey for the fans to see this team do some damage.

Pascal Vincent is brilliant, and deserves all of the flowers for the way his team has operated since he was appointed head coach.

Laval is going to be very good, and are already showing some early returns.

Congratulations to the coach, hopefully he can put a bow on his season with a Calder Cup.