Hockey Tactics 2024 Sneak Peek

Breakout: Weak-Side Winger Wide or Slash Across

With Christmas fast approaching, I figured I would share a sneak peek of the upcoming Hockey Tactics 2024 ebook while addressing a Newsletter reader question.

Hi Jack,

Great work this past year. I’ve really enjoyed the content. 

It appears the Bruins occasionally switch between a slash breakout and a breakout where they opt to keep their weak-side winger wide depending on the opponent.

I was curious if you knew what the opponent(s) might be doing to force a switch away from the slash. 

I understand teams may have their own tactical reasons, but I’m very curious about your insight. 

Thank you,

Ryan 

BOS generally has F1-F2-F3 overloading one side of the ice while the weak-side D (D2) provides width off the rush

Whether to bring the weak-side winger toward the puck (slash across) or keep him wide is up for debate. NHL teams differ in their philosophies and individual players will alternate between both reads depending on the situation.

DAL95 Matt Duchene beats a D pinch by cutting back and finding the wide F2

Skilled players are generally better served by a Weak-Side Winger Wide breakout. By staying away from the congestion on the strong side, F2 can catch a flat (i.e. horizontal) pass and exit the zone with control.

The WSW Wide is also useful against teams that over-forecheck the strong side of the ice. If attackers can get the puck off the wall (either on purpose or via a lucky bounce), the opposing team will be hard-pressed to recover and deny the middle.

ANA slashes its winger across after changing sides behind the net

The Weak-Side Winger Slash Across is more useful if: