NHL 09 Hockey Strategy- 101

[SWIL]

I was nosing around online this morning and found something that I think we can all benefit from.

These are a collection of brief and easy to comprehend strategies for both offensive and defensive situations in hockey.

If we can all incorporate these strats into our game play, I think our league record will improve dramatically.

[SWIL]

Defence - Penalty Kill



Probably the most common mistake we all make on the PK, is we chase opponents into corners (sometimes even the LD goes in) and we just can't do that if we expect to kill our PKs (we're not exactly the most disciplined team, haha). As you can see here, there are three viable options for the opposing player to pass to, one being extremely deadly (slot).



As you can see here, by simply shifting our box to the side the puck is on, instead of chasing, we cut out the most dangerous option, and leave two options that can be combated by simply shifting our box again. The pass behind the net would mean for us to shift to the left side, and theyd have the same options again, but reversed. If the pass is made to the point, the Centre would press their D into either wasting a shot off his shinpads, or attempting a pass to either his other D (which the LW should be within closing distance on) or simply passing it back into the corner again. Keeping our sticks active also means for the possibility of interceptions OR pucks being knocked out of the zone.

Also, if you DO get possession of the puck in our defensive zone, don't play with it, dump it out. Wingers shouldn't be leaving the zone for breakaways (unless we have solid possession of the puck). Most breakaways should come from a winger intercepting a pass D-to-D.

[SWIL]

Defence - 5 on 5 - Down Low



When the puck is in the corner like this, our biggest mistake is usually that more than just the RD goes to challenge their forward. The picture pretty much sums up what other players on the ice should be doing, and in this instance, the forward in the corner has no option but to throw it behind the net, or make a pass to the point (which has a good chance of being intercepted by the RW) or try a pass in front (which either the C or LD could pick off). If both D rush the forward, the pass in front is a viable option. If the RW goes into the corner with the RD, the point opens up. If the C comes in, the slot opens up as well. If the forward does make the pass behind the net, the LD should then move to the puck and the RD should take his place in front. Also, the LW should move so that he's between the puck and the opponents defenceman, like the RW is in the picture. The C should always be in front in the slot, to ensure the easy one timers aren't there for the opposing C.

[SWIL]

Offence - Setting up at the Half-Board



A strategy I find very useful when you enter the zone is stopping at the half-board and scanning your options. Too often when this happens, everyone goes to the net, which means none of our shots ever really get through. This is one of many different possibilities of course, but lets look at them. The C can either assume position for a screen/deflection, or try to sneak into an opening in the slot. The D can shift toward the winger, giving the option to either one time it from the point, or switch the side of attack (move the puck to the RW instead). The RW by moving behind the net, gives another option (which BTW, most teams don't defend against) to the LW, which can either switch the side of attack, or set up a pass in front to the C, LW (if he moves toward the net) or a D that may sneak into the slot.

However, IF a D sneaks into the slot, the other D should be backing off in-case the puck ends up going the other way. A general rule of thumb for defenceman is that if the pucks not on your side, and the opposition has it, you should be at centre ice already.

[SWIL]

Offence - 5on5 Rush/Entering Zone



One common mistake our forwards make is trying to cut into the slot (hence getting flattened and losing the puck) and taking a senseless shot.

This picture shows many options the RW in this instance has. Personally, my first choice would be to drop the puck back to the defence and starting the cycle game. Another option is to dump it along the boards behind the net and let the LW pick it up either in the corner or behind the net, again starting a cycle play. There is the option to drop to the centre as well, but a more dangerous play. If a shot is available from the halfboards, a low slapshot leaving a rebound for the driving LW or C is also a good option, but only if the lane is there. Never try to carry the puck into the slot when they have all 5 players back, unless you enjoy getting knocked on your ass and losing an offensive possession.

[Jonesey]

not bad Swil.. wish we could actually practice it instead of having to just play games.

[SmokeyVol]

I've got this game now but I will be honest.... I know absolutely nothing about hockey!

[SWIL]

it's basically a big game of keep-away.

[SWIL]

Originally Posted by Jonesey

not bad Swil.. wish we could actually practice it instead of having to just play games.

yeah... online practice mode would be invaluable.

2010, perhaps??

[Jonesey]

Originally Posted by SWIL

yeah... online practice mode would be invaluable.

2010, perhaps??

one could only dream..

[BearCat204]

Here is some more helpful info for you hockey guys. It really gives you good info to use the proper sticks and skates for your body type and player type. Hope this helps some of you

http://www.eashlforum.com/forum/view...equipment1.htm

[SWIL]

Nice, Bearcat- I didn't know the size of your character affected your shooting attrributes!