Lightening to Dress 8 D-Men, Bench Tanguay

According to Bolts Blogger Jon Jordan at HockeyBuzz, the Lightening are going to bench former all-star Alex Tanguay, among others, and dress 8 defensive players (two more than the usual six). Is this a desperation move by the Tampa Bay coach? It certainly is trying to send a message to the offensive players who certainly have been under performing.  Preds fan will recall that he was a free agent signing that many wanted to see land in Nashville.

Generally, a team's fourth line (aka grind line)  consists of three defensively minded forwards, who, along with two defensemen, try to shut down another teams scoring threat.  Now, when that line is on the ice, you will have one forward, and four defensemen.  Strange.

I can't think of a great football analogy, but here goes:  Its like a playing a prevent defense on every down.  The bend but not break style will give up alot of yards on the ground (i.e. shots, time of possession), but the offense hopefully wont be able to score (or at least any quality scoring chances).

As far as Alex Tanguay being benched... all I can say is wow.  Expect the Lightening to either come out totally flat, or ready to punch the Preds in the face.