In recent years, many teams have transitioned to '“modernized” systems which utilize every player on the ice more holistic, effective way. Nobody has incorporated these adjustments better than the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, Tampa’s systems could span an entire series of videos, so I’ll stick to a single concept and expand from there.
The clips from the video below came from a 40-minute stretch of hockey in Game 2 of the finals. It isn’t hard to imagine that they have been playing this way the entire post-season.
Example 1. Montreal is playing a very common 1-2-2 forecheck. One forward pushes, or wedges, the puck to one side of the ice. The second forward is responsible for the player on the wall (in this example, he is late to his spot). Finally, the third forward covers the player in the middle (MTL #73). This forecheck works well against teams that try to move the puck up quickly, but we can see clearly what it allows Tampa to do.
Example 2. In this scenario, Joseph (TBL #7 - a forward) has covered for a pinching defenseman. Victor Hedman (TBL #77 - a defenseman) recognizes this switch of positioning and swings through the middle, a route typically designated for a centerman. As we get to the graphic, we can see Hedman is well under the puck receiver (TBL #14). This allows Hedman to see his options before receiving the pass and maintain his speed.
Example 3. Here’s a very common scenario. MTL has put the puck into the corner and is applying medium pressure. The first forward has split the ice (see Example 1) but, because of a change taking place behind the play, forward two now has to try and cover two passing options at once - the player in the middle and the player on the boards. With two options available, TB makes the open play. Yanni Gourde (TBL #37) worked hard to support his defenseman and positioned himself as the passing option in the middle. When the puck heads up the board, like Hedman from Example 2, he can build speed and weigh his options well before receiving the puck.
Example 4. Here, the wall forward is under heavy pressure. However, the eventual puck receiver remains under the play, allowing the passer to turn away from his defender, protect the puck, and make a play. If Goodrow (TBL #19) doesn’t support the puck carrier this way, MTL’s attacker likely forces a turnover and sends the puck back into the zone.
Example 5. This clip is so similar to Example 1 that I had to double-check my video files to ensure that I hadn’t selected the same clip twice. Again, we see pressure above the puck from MTL, limiting TB’s ability to move the puck up the ice. However, TB can bring the puck up the ice with good support below the puck with speed.
Why?
Supporting underneath the puck allows for two major things. First, you can build more speed. Picture an airport runway. Would you rather try and takeoff from the end of the runway or the beginning?
Second, because of your position compared to the play, you’ll be able to see more of the ice as the pass heads your way. Like we mentioned in some of these examples, because of the support player’s position, they could assess the options available to them well before receiving the puck. This allows puck carriers to make smarter decisions at higher speeds. That’s a recipe for success!
I Want Your Help!
Our next post is the Blog / Q&A. I need all of you to supply the Qs!!!! I’ll take your questions, list them in a post, and answer them as best I can. Feel free to write them down in the comments or send them to me directly at tpeters@taylorpetershockeyschool.com
See you then!
Coach Taylor
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