OK, you can't get more basic than this: What is the difference between a forward and a wing, and what is a 2nd, 3rd and 4th line of offense?
- Diana in CA
Centermen, left wingers and right wingers are all referred to as "forwards." It's a catch-all term and a useful one, because many forwards can switch between the three positions depending on the needs of the team.
Most teams have set forward lines. Broadly speaking, they are arranged as follows:
Those are general guidelines, which teams tinker with. For example, most teams try to spread out the scoring a little by dropping one of their best forwards to the second line. Also some coaches constantly juggle their players, especially when things aren't going well. And line combinations change during power plays and penalty kills.
