Final Preview: COL DZ Breakout

For the Avalanche's offensive-minded blueliners, two steps make all the difference

When playing away from the puck in DZ coverage, NHL defensemen are typically asked to box out and stay D-side. By engaging with opposing forwards and standing between them and the net, Ds put themselves in the best position to tie up sticks, clear their goalie’s sight line and swat away rebounds.

COL8 Makar boxes out Hyman while partner COL7 Toews forces McDavid high

However, progressive coaches such as Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche no longer require their blueliners to box out 100% of the time. Instead, they allows Ds to selectively front the play or even leave the DZ early, when it makes sense to do so.

Against hermetic NZ defenses such as Tampa Bay’s, vacating D-side and jumping into the play creates small mismatches on breakouts that may result in valuable rush chances seconds later.