He played the next three seasons for the Indians, serving as the team's third-line center for the first two.

Dave Scatchard, the Islanders' industrious third-line center, was another surprise, scoring two goals.

He's a proven fourth- or third-line center.

The seventh pick over all in last April's draft, Malhotra has played well during the preseason and was expected to be the third-line center.

Dave Scatchard, the team's scrappiest and most consistent player a year ago, will be the team's third-line center, where he should be even more productive.

In the Beanpot, they were all over the Eagles early, leading, 3-0, after 15 minutes with two goals coming from the third-line center, Steve Thornton.

Perreault and Antropov, Toronto's second- and third-line centers, were injured during last season's series.

Saturday night, Gretzky played third-line center and was not on the ice for any goals in the Sabres' 4-3 victory.

Jimmy Carson, the third-line center, has 22 goals and 23 assists.

For example, John Madden, the flinty, third-line center, said the Devils lacked an edge in the third period of Thursday's game.