How to Break a Swarm DZC
2025-26 NHL tactical trends: ANA 2-3 OZP vs. MTL Swarm DZC
Last night, the Anaheim Ducks beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 thanks to a late goal by Cutter Gauthier.
The sequence illustrates how a 2-3 in-zone offense can outmaneuver a swarm defensive zone coverage despite a numerical disadvantage down low.
Let me show you how the Ducks problem-solved the situation. Then I’ll share a small area game from the upcoming Hockey Tactics 2026 ebook that’ll allow your players to improve their success rate in similar situations.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Hockey Tactics Newsletter to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.