There are fewer trick plays in hockey than there is in American football. However, once in a while, we do see teams successfully attempt unusual set pieces.
One such instance occurs earlier this week during a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the San Jose Sharks.
Instead of winning the puck back on an OZ faceoff, DET71 Dylan Larkin gently pushes the puck forward while sidestepping the opposing center.
DET23 Lucas Raymond, the inside winger, skates between two opposing players and taps in Larkin’s cross-seam pass near the back post.
The San Jose Sharks players look out to lunch on the goal against, but there are structural reasons why this C Push Forward play can be devastatingly effective.
It all comes down to how the defensive team typically lines up for a DZ faceoff.
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