Here’s where it gets fun. The fourth line is the domain of the toughest, grittiest and hardest working players. Guys who rarely score or set up goals yet still make their presence felt on every shift. Despite claims that the NHL has become significantly less tough in recent years there are still plenty of hard-nosed grinders, agitators and enforcers in the league; the only challenge was determining which among them most encompassed the spirit of the fourth line. I could wax poetic about how much I love these guys and how they are part of what makes hockey the greatest sport in the world, but I’m sure everyone already knows it – these guys become fan favorites for a reason.

Enforcer: Derek Boogaard (Minnesota Wild)

He’s not the best fighter in the NHL per se (that title that still probably belongs to Georges Laraque), bnlike Laraque, Boogaard seems to welcome his role on the team and he is a good fighter, even by heavyweight standards. In addition to being able to drop the mitts, Boogaard is a ferocious hitter and his 6’7’’, 245 pound frame serves to intimidate opposing players. However, part of what makes Boogaard a prototypical enforcer is that he plays with restrained physicality – through 147 NHL games, Boogaard has yet to be suspended by the league. The prototypical enforcer is a player who will defend his teammates without embarrassing the club or distracting from the task at hand – winning a game. Sure, as a general manager you could do better than Boogaard, and in reality you’d probably like to employ an enforcer who can contribute a little more offensively. But a hulking physical presence and a willingness to play a physical game are what it takes to be a prototypical enforcer.

Others considered: Georges Laraque

Fourth Line Center: Steve Ott (Dallas Stars)

Although there are a good number of players in the NHL who would be at home on the fourth line, there aren’t all that many centers. Ott gets the nod here not only for being a solid faceoff man (58.8% in 2007-08) but also for the fact that he has enough skill to fill in on either the powerplay or the penalty kill in a pinch. Like any adequate fourth-liner Ott hits anything that moves and is more than willing to drop the gloves.

Other considered: Ryan Johnson, Adam Mair, Paul Gaustad

Fourth Line Right Wing: Aaron Asham (New Jersey Devils)

Just as Steve Ott did, Asham makes this list because his skills goes beyond just being able to bang bodies and muck it up in the corners. Like Ott, Asham is solid penalty killer and handles himself better than the average fourth liner when drops the mitts.

Others considered: Steve Begin, Adam Hall, Chris Neil, Jordan Tootoo