Statistically speaking, powerplay breakouts featuring a drop pass are the most efficient ways for an NHL team to gain the offensive zone (source).
The most popular PP BO in the league is the Double Drop, where two forwards (Blue 2 & 3) build speed behind a defenseman (Blue 1).
For teams fortunate enough to count on an elite puck carrying forward, the Single Drop is a riskier, but more rewarding alternative.
NHL PK coaches are not dupe. Over time, teams have adjusted their defensive schemes to neutralize drop breakouts. Powerplays relying on the drop are now consistently forced to the perimeter and seldom score right off the entry.
Consequently, PPs are best off employing a mixed strategy, consisting of the drop the majority of the time and a second type of breakout a minority of the time.
Last night, the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins ran the same secondary entry play to perfection.
Here’s what they did.
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