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jammies · 02-15-2009, 04:38 PM

I had a tough time scoring for a while, but I'm pretty good now. I score around 50% off the rush and 50% off the cycle:

On the Rush:

Gain the zone and create time - whether that be by curling back, taking the D wide or just slowing down, your aim is to avoid the defence while your teammates head to the net. Then see if you can find the late man and/or slot presence for a one-timer, or, if nothing is available, put a high shot to the goalie's blocker side for a rebound.

Another play is to hold the puck and go behind the net - a quick pass out front will net you a high-percentage shot IF you can hit the man, which often means you need to learn both the saucer pass and how to accurately pass one way while skating the other.

A third way to score off the rush is to wait for your own D to enter the zone, drop the puck to him and look for the point shot and rebound. If that isn't forthcoming, that's when you start the cycle.

Cycle Play:

Play it just like a cycle in real hockey - constantly keep the puck near the corner and boards by passing and protecting the puck, while your forwards switch in and out looking to cause the defence to make a mistake. Then put it to an open man to either drive the net or take a quick shot. The key to the cycle is to keep moving the puck - you should be looking for short, easy passes to areas where the defenders have your men in between them and the puck for maximum success.

Also don't be afraid to involve the point - dropping it back can be especially effective if the wingers of the opposition start cheating back or chasing the puck. Whether gaining a shot off the cycle or the point blast, the key is to head to the net immediately after shooting and look for rebounds.

Shooting:

Your most effective shots will be those taken while moving laterally across the net, which forces the goalie to move. If you can get into the high slot, try shooting back against your skating direction which is an extremely high-percentage shot. Also, learn to shoot 5-hole which is also very effective if you can get the goalie to move a bit and time it right to shoot as he moves.

The high blocker-side shot is best at getting rebounds, as anything into the body or shin-pads dies at the goalie's feet more often than not.

Obviously shots from the slot are best, but if you have time a slapper from almost anywhere can create rebounds. If you can time it properly, look for the deflection in front or goalie screen, both of which work as well in the game as in RL.

Hope that helps!

02-15-2009, 04:38 PM	#13
jammies Basement Chicken Choker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In a land without pants, or war, or want. But mostly we care about the pants. Exp:	I had a tough time scoring for a while, but I'm pretty good now. I score around 50% off the rush and 50% off the cycle: On the Rush: Gain the zone and create time - whether that be by curling back, taking the D wide or just slowing down, your aim is to avoid the defence while your teammates head to the net. Then see if you can find the late man and/or slot presence for a one-timer, or, if nothing is available, put a high shot to the goalie's blocker side for a rebound. Another play is to hold the puck and go behind the net - a quick pass out front will net you a high-percentage shot IF you can hit the man, which often means you need to learn both the saucer pass and how to accurately pass one way while skating the other. A third way to score off the rush is to wait for your own D to enter the zone, drop the puck to him and look for the point shot and rebound. If that isn't forthcoming, that's when you start the cycle. Cycle Play: Play it just like a cycle in real hockey - constantly keep the puck near the corner and boards by passing and protecting the puck, while your forwards switch in and out looking to cause the defence to make a mistake. Then put it to an open man to either drive the net or take a quick shot. The key to the cycle is to keep moving the puck - you should be looking for short, easy passes to areas where the defenders have your men in between them and the puck for maximum success. Also don't be afraid to involve the point - dropping it back can be especially effective if the wingers of the opposition start cheating back or chasing the puck. Whether gaining a shot off the cycle or the point blast, the key is to head to the net immediately after shooting and look for rebounds. Shooting: Your most effective shots will be those taken while moving laterally across the net, which forces the goalie to move. If you can get into the high slot, try shooting back against your skating direction which is an extremely high-percentage shot. Also, learn to shoot 5-hole which is also very effective if you can get the goalie to move a bit and time it right to shoot as he moves. The high blocker-side shot is best at getting rebounds, as anything into the body or shin-pads dies at the goalie's feet more often than not. Obviously shots from the slot are best, but if you have time a slapper from almost anywhere can create rebounds. If you can time it properly, look for the deflection in front or goalie screen, both of which work as well in the game as in RL. Hope that helps! __________________ Better educated sadness than oblivious joy.