The Bruins found the "honey hole"

How Boston repeatedly found space against Florida's DZ coverage in Game 1

Use code “playoffs” to get $10 off!

Learn about Xs & Os visually, like NHL & other high-level players do.

• Enjoy the fully illustrated ebook on your computer or tablet

• Save it on your smartphone for reference on-the-go

• Understand key tactical matchups as you watch the game

---

Playoffs are full of surprises.

Last night the Boston Bruins, coming off a grueling Game Seven overtime win, routed the rested and higher-seeded Florida Panthers 5-1.

The Bruins were able to exploit an area of the offensive zone colloquially called the honey hole.

The honey hole is the area near the strong-side faceoff dot. It is a difficult part of the ice to defend for a zonal DZ coverage, as it is exactly between the defending D1, F1 and F3’s areas of responsibility. It can be accessed either by the puck carrier stepping off the wall quickly, or by making a well-measured pass to a teammate skating between checks.

Here are a few Game One examples showing BOS accessing the strong-side dot area through a variety of means (OZ FC, OZP and off the rush).

OZ Forecheck to SS Dot

FLA’s D1 loses body position on the corner retrieval.

FLA’s D2 is guarding the front of the net.

FLA’s F1 is cutting the top - staying tight to the boards to prevent a quick low-to-high pass.

BOS39 Geekie wins the battle, scrapes the puck off the wall and sends a blind pass to BOS18 Zacha, who arrives in perfect timing for an uncontested shot.

OZ Possession to SS Dot