I like Badger's quote (from the Shammers on XBOX when they won in January) when he was asked to describe the Shammer's team defense:
Quote:
BADGERx29x: It all starts with the fore check and when we dump and chase it’s a 2-1-2 most times, and depending on the situation of the game and or opponent we’ll stick with it or run a 1-2-2 and try to trap. Everyone understands their lane assignments in the neutral zone to try and force a dump and chase.
In the defensive zone we like to force teams to the outside, with the hope of forcing an untimely shot or pass, making it a mistake and when that happens, it can lead to a costly turnover and possibly a game changer. We play a box +1 type defense, the defense men are responsible for their side of the goal posts to the corners, and center is in the middle of the box controlling the slot, and wingers are boards to top of the slot. The good teams make you try to chase, and that’s where problems lie but last month especially everyone understood their defensive roles/positions and executed it very well.
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Also when asked about the dump and chase-style game, he answered:
Quote:
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BADGERx29x: Our “tough guys” would be our defensemen. Some like to take the body more then others, but they’re the ones who play the most physical. We mix in some dump and chase and in most cases it’s an aggressive style but not overly aggresive A 2-1-2 type fore check is what we normally run when dumping and chasing. First man in board plays the defender and the second man in gets the puck and than the thrid man stays in the high slot and then proceeds to his position in the offensive triangle we run when the strategy works and we get possession.
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This pretty much sums up what it takes to be successful in this game.
Now if you want to see this in action, the EASHL playoffs start this weekend, and as I understand it all the games are to be recorded and posted on youtube. Boosts or no boosts, cards or no cards, anyone can play this style. I highly recommend watching some of these games and paying attention to players that play the same position as you and watch their positioning and decision-making. Even if you decide you don't want to play the same way, you may pick up something useful.
Chuck out.