Now that they have a skated together in a preseason game, isn’t it about time we come up with a nickname for the Jamie Benn-Tyler Seguin-Patrick Sharp line. Hey, let’s be honest, it’s more fun than breaking down the Stars 1-4 preseason start, right?
We’ll dive back into the analysis of the 2015-16 Dallas Stars later this week. However, first, a little trip down memory lane and perhaps the creation of a new line nickname.
History of Hockey Line Nicknames
The practice of naming forward trios dates back to the 1920s when Bun Cook, Frank Boucher and Bill Cook played together for the New York Rangers. The trio was known as The Bread Line.
In the late 1940s the Red Wings Sid Abel, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay formed “The Production Line.” Fast forward to the 1970s and the NHL featured two great lines with the Buffalo Sabres’ “French Connection Line” (Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert) and the Los Angeles Kings’ “Triple Crown Line” (Dave Taylor, Charlie Simmer and Marcel Dionne).
In the 1990s the Philadelphia Flyers gave us “The Legion of Doom”, featuring former Dallas Star Eric Lindros, John Leclair and Mikael Renberg. In the 2000s the Tampa Bay Lightning were often powered by “The MVP Line” of Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lacavalier and Vaclav Prospal.
Moving into the current era, Ryan Garbutt’s departure means the end of the Stars’ “Pitbull Line.” Although, perhaps a prospect like Remi Elie will fill in alongside Cody Eakin and Antoine Roussel.
[RELATED: The Best Hockey Line Names]
Jamie Benn-Tyler Seguin-Patrick Sharp
Since joining the Stars in 2013, Tyler Seguin has played the majority of his minutes next to Stars’ captain Jamie Benn. During that time they have had several teammates rotate in to complete the trio.
When Jim Nill completed his blockbuster trade hat trick this summer, Patrick Sharp’s name surfaced as the latest to potentially join Benn and Seguin on the Stars’ first line.
Last night the newly formed trio made their debut in a lackluster 4-1 preseason loss to the Blues. It was Jamie Benn’s first preseason game after rehabbing double hip surgery. All three were held off the score sheet. Let’s give the captain a little time to knock the rust off. In the meantime, what should we call this dynamic trio?
Here is my unofficial list, in no particular order:
– The Stanley Art Ross Line (Represents their hardware and jewelry)
– 82 Line (Ages add up to 82 and 82 regular season games)
– Oh Canada Line (All three hail from Canada)
– Super Smash Bros Line (Nintendo, yes old school!)
– Line 35 (All three have scored 35 goals in a season before)
– Trois Provinces Line
– Hockey Night in Dallas Line
– The French Connection Part II Line
– The Dudes Are Perfect Line
Like any of those? Have any other suggestions? What is your favorite all time line nickname?
