Alright, here's the first set of examples for some plays we can establish for our team. Over the next few days/weeks, I'll post some more plays for us to use on offense, defense, and breaking out of the zone.
These plays come from the overload formation, which should be the formation we use primarily both even strength and on the powerplay. It allows for low and high boards play development while having good passing options.
Overload: Play 1 - The puck carrier down low will pass the puck to the player on the high boards. He has the option of passing back down low, work into the slot for a shot if it's open, or pass up to the point. If the puck is passed to the defender at the point, he also has three options. If he passes to the other defender, out player from the side boards will move into the high slot looking for a one timer. It's preferred the forward here is left handed to have a better angle on shooting the puck. The centre stays in front of the crease screening the goalie and looking for deflections or rebounds.
This play requires quick puck movement and decision making, because it's meant to catch the defense off guard and leaving a gap for us to attack. Don't force the puck into an area where a defender is covering if it isn't there.
Overload: Play 2 - This play is fairly simple. The puck carrier down low will move up the boards and look for the pinching defender from across the ice for a one timer opportunity. If it's not there, the puck carrier can work into the slot, or pass to the forward who has moved up the point. In case the play doesn't work and results in a turnover, the pinching defender is covered since the defender from the puck side moved over to cover his spot.
If the play doesn't work but we maintain possession, players positioning still maintains a overload formation, and the defender can play as forward until it's safe to switch with the forward defender at the point.
Overload: Play 3 - This play is generally all about a hard shot from the point with two forwards crashing the crease for deflections or rebounds. Puck comes from down low, and is quickly worked to the point, where it's passed to the teammate defender, then passed back to the initial defender for a shot on net if the lane is open. The quick puck movement as usual is meant to get the defense out of position for a split second or more. Defenders be cautious though and watch for opposing players reading the pass between you two. If he gets the puck, it's giving him a shot at the breakaway.
So from these two posts, we can utilize practice mode more often, both schedule and when you and a couple other people may be waiting for a game to finish or such. Lets look to get our first real practice in, so we can work on these plays and general team play. What works for you guys? I probably won't be here tomorrow, but you guys can still go on if you wish. Saturday is a Flames preseason game, so we can do during the afternoon if there are some people around. Sunday evening I will defiantly be available so if there are other around then as well we can do it then as well.