Was watching the game last night between Pit. and Was. I really focused on what strategies both teams deployed to enter the O zone during PP's. One that intrigued me and that could be useful for the Flames was using the bump back ( Please give me a chance to elaborate).
- 2 wingers were a few feet from the blue line
- Defenseman rushed the puck while 2 other forwards were deep in the D zone
- bump back would happen past center ice while the 2 forwards (not one like we do) were in full stride.
- They then either passed it between them to enter the zone or made an outlet pass to wingers who started only moving their feet when 2 forwards were in full stride.
When using that strategy, they did not dump it in once cause this created a 2 on 1 anywhere near the O zone blue line.
I believe we have the horses to try it. Gio starts the rush, Johnny and Lindy come steaming out of their zone together, passing it till it opens one side.
Too bad I couldn't do any screen captures.
Also I remember in the late 80's where the Flames had a unique way to enter the O zone and since, I haven't seen any team ever use it again, unless they do but because of camera angles we do not see it.
Joe Mullen and Joe Nieuwendyk were the masters at it. They would be completely offside and when their D man would rush with the puck, they would skate like hell to the blue line (to be onside) and then cut left or right to receive the pass from the D man. It was a thing of beauty especially live as Mullen sometimes would be close to the other teams goalie and you'd have the D from the other team look back at him and not knowing if they should stay inside the zone or guard the line.
Those were the days...Of course Macinnis helped a tad!
|