Originally published December 2023
Every high-level team has a clear plan for OZ with the puck (OZP), as well as OZ without the puck (OZ FC). But games are won and lost in the grey area in-between.
So what to do when the puck is in the offensive zone, but it is unclear which team has possession?
Below is a goal scored by the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier tonight. In this sequence, CBJ demonstrates a fundamental yet seldom-mentioned offensive principle, most useful when the situation is ambiguous.
When it’s not clear which team will win the puck:
Have two players ABOVE the puck (i.e. between the puck & our net)
And one player BELOW the puck (i.e. between the puck & their net)
The puck may be on the way out of the zone, so CBJ4 and CBJ29 get above the puck (green arrows). CBJ91 has the choice of going either way (orange arrows), but he’ll look to get below the puck if his teammates kill the exit, which they do.
CBJ holds the puck just inside the line. CBJ91 is now in the blind spot of both TOR defensemen and creates a runway for CBJ29’s downhill shot.
Seconds later CBJ forwards are faced with similar decisions. Again CBJ4 and CBJ29 get above and CBJ91 gets below.
CBJ91 is unafraid of being beat by a TOR pass, knowing both linemates are above the puck. He makes an aggressive read, intercepts a D-to-D pass and immediately slips the puck out to CBJ29. He is again unmarked coming downhill and scores on a quick shot.
Are You Looking Forward to Hockey Tactics 2024?
I’m currently in the writing process for the next instalment of my annual Hockey Tactics ebook.
What you can expect:
UPDATED: 5v5 & special teams System Sheets for all 32 NHL teams
NEW: Detailed breakdowns of NHL stars & their go-to plays
NEW: An easy-to-digest guide to basic offensive & defensive structures, plus how to break them!
Who can benefit:
Minor hockey to pro-level coaches looking to win games & develop players
Parents seeking quality information to inform their decisions
Hardcore fans who want to know exactly what’s happening, and why
HT2024 will be released sometime in the new year. In the meantime you can check out previous editions on my Gumroad page.