During the playoffs, it’s far too easy to focus on the top goaltender, forward line, and defensive pairing. Maybe some spotlights will dip down a little further into the lineup. However, the focus rarely makes it down to the so-called depth players.
A typical hockey setup has high-flying and skilled scorers higher in the lineup, especially on the top two lines. Power forwards and big-bodied checkers also feature heavily up top to open up the ice.
The fourth forward line traditionally sees little ice time and is used in certain situations or for struggling players. For the Cleveland Monsters, their fourth-line forwards have largely led the way throughout the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Today, it’s time to shine a light on that group.
Not Your Typical Fourth Line
One consistent line throughout the playoffs has been the “fourth line” of Justin Pearson, Josh Dunne, and Alex Whelan. A perfect mix of professional experience, youthful energy, skill, and grit makes this line anything but a typical fourth line. Sure, they can pull off massive checks and disrupt play, but this group is so much more than that.
But what makes this group Cleveland’s top-scoring line? Mainly their chemistry. Before the playoffs, this trio was overshadowed by the scoring prowess of Trey Fix-Wolansky, Owen Sillinger, Brendan Gaunce, Carson Meyer, and Luca Del Bel Belluz.
However, Pearson, Dunne, and Whelan seem tailor-made for the AHL playoffs. Their impact was noticed early on by Monsters head coach Trent Vogelhuber, who immediately started rolling all four lines, giving everyone equal chances to succeed.
At the core of their success is their ability to read and trust each other. After game two of the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals 3-2 OT loss in Hershey, PA, on Saturday, Whelan reflected on the line’s success that has led the Monsters to this point.
We all play pretty similarly. We know where each other will be, and
Alex Whelan on his linemates.
we have a good time out there. It’s easy when you know where everyone’s gonna be and that they’re doing the right thing. Recently, we’ve gotten our bounces, and we hope they keep coming.”
Doing the right things consistently is a trademark of this line, which has earned the trust and respect of their teammates and coaches. Most importantly, it’s given this trio the confidence to rack up a combined ten goals and 12 assists across ten postseason games.
Being predictable to each other also helps this line produce. Each one knows what the other is up to at any given time. When someone needs support, they’ll have it. If there’s a rush up ice, a linemate will be there with them. The hard work has paid off, and the scoresheet shows it.
Alex Whelan Makes His Mark
Perhaps the story of the season goes to Whelan. He joined Cleveland on a professional try-out contract on December 18, 2023, and inked a full AHL contract with the team on February 15, 2024.
While he’s always been well-liked in the locker room, Whelan’s on-ice contributions have soared in the postseason. He shared with The Calder Times what his increased role as an integral part of this team means to him.
“it’s just a testament to the team, Just a great group of guys. We’re so close. you can only go so far when you’re not a close team… I’m just happy to be part of it, And happy to do my job.”
Alex Whelan on personal and team success.
Whelan went on to share how fun this team is to be a part of, likening it back to the closeness and camaraderie of college hockey teams. In college, players spend most of their time together between classes, workouts, practices, games, and traveling.
While pro-level players still spend a lot of time together, they aren’t always this close. Whelan, who has played in 150 regular season games between Cleveland and the Hartford Wolf Pack, says this is the closest team he’s ever been on.
Most of Whelan’s contributions are found away from the scoresheet. His speed helps dictate the pace of the shift, while his size and sturdiness open up the play. The big thing is that he’s always in sync with his linemates.
Dunne, who centers Pearson and Whelan, shared his thoughts on his linemates with The Calder Times.
“I’ve said it a lot now but Pearson and Whealan, They’re unbelievable. linemates. They work so hard. They’re blocking the big shots, they both skate really hard down the ice, they make a plan and stick with it… But it all starts from their hard work.
Josh Dunne on linemates Justin Pearson and Alex Whelan
It was this group that turned the tides in game two, setting Cleveland up for their second straight OT appearance.
Cleveland has been carried this far by this line’s heaviness on pucks and consistency. They have rarely strayed from the plan, even when Hershey has the lead.
Tying it All Together
Heading into tonight’s do-or-die game four while in a 3-0 deficit of a best-of-seven series, this team will be looking for contributions from every player. One group they don’t have to worry about is their steady fourth line.
The deficit isn’t phasing this team, even with a crushing 6-2 defeat in game three this past Tuesday. For Coach Vogelhuber, one game can turn the tide. It only takes one game, one spectacular performance, to get this team back on the winning track.
I love the playoffs, Because each game is mutually exclusive…You just play the game in front of you, and you go. We’re gonna keep going until they tell us we’re not playing anymore.
Cleveland Monsters head coach Trent Vogelhuber on the playoffs.
Aside from that, there’s one part of this team that truly makes them believe they can come back for a reverse sweep: each other. They genuinely care for, believe in, and enjoy being around their teammates. Coach Vogelhuber went on to share that they truly “love being around each other.” So, they will take any opportunity to try and prolong the season.
The coaching staff’s current mantra is, “We don’t quit. We stick together. We’re gonna work, good or bad.” According to Vogelhuber, this has been the team’s story all year. Now, it’s being put to the ultimate test.
Game four is tonight at 7:00 p.m. Eastern at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. If needed, game five is Saturday, June 8, in Cleveland before switching back to Hershey for potential games six and seven.
