Man, everybody knows that Pittsburgh doesn't have a defensive line since Jordan Staal. I NEVER once said that ALL TEAMS do this. This is exactly what I'm talking about with you hyperbolizing every point. Holy **** you did it again. lol.
According to the thread I started the Winnipeg Jets employ the Lowry line against the other teams top line. This is a clear example of a "defensive" line being employed against the other teams top line. Another person said the Soderberg line for the Avalanche is their "defensive" third line. While the Mackinnon (1st) and Jost(2nd) line take on offensive roles.
https://hfboards.mandatory.com/threads/third-line-shutdown-line.2552363/
You said most teams do. I'm still waiting for that.
Let's see how the Jets used Lowry in the playoffs.
Lowry's line played about 7 minutes against Vegas' third line. 1 goal against (lost 2-1)
Lowry's line played about 5 minutes against Vegas top line. 2 goal against (lost 3-1)
Lowry's line played about 10 minutes against Vegas 4th line. 0 goal against (lost 4-2)
Lowry's line played about 8 minutes against Vegas 1st line. 1 goal against (Lost 3-1)
Lowry's line played about 8 minutes against Vegas 4th line. 1 goal for (Won 4-2)
This is a clear example of; they played their "defensive line against the other team top line and they shouldn't have".
When they played the Preds;
Against 2nd line 1GF 1GA won
Against 1st and 3rd 1GF 1GA lost
Against the 1st 1GF won
Against the 1st 0 GA, lost
Against 3rd line 1 GF 1 GA, won
Against 2nd and 3rd, 1 GA lost
Against 2nd and 3rd, no GA won
This time around the defensive line was a bit more successful, but they were still not mostly playing against the first line.