Hockey Strategy

[ajcardfan]

I did not grow up with hockey. I've watched it on a regular basis only since the Coyotes moved here and have been to several games. I've learned enough that I do have a decent grasp on the rules. I know icing, offsides, interference, etc, and all that stuff.

Here's my question:

So, when they talk about "systems" what am i missing, if anything?

I hear hockey players and analysts talk about "systems". But, I don't really see that. What I see in hockey is that it is more based on attitude than set types of systems and assignments. Basically, teams that shoot pucks at the net, and are willing to take punishment in front of the net, tend to score more. Teams that deal out more punishment in the defensive end, and have good goaltending, are tough to score on. For example, when Gretzky was coach I'd see guys stand right between two of our defensemen, barely get touched, and then deflect a puck into the net or slap in a rebound. That would drive me nuts. I can't recall that happening this year.

I do see some teams tend to dump into the boards and grind it out there a little more than some of the more skilled teams like Pittsburgh or Chicago, that pass out to the point or cross ice a little more often. But, is there more to it than that?

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Most of the time the system refers more to the defensive side of the game. There's a lot of nuance to it which makes them hard to detect even for big time fans. One of the easiest to see is the neutral zone trap, where you basically clog the area with four guys between the blue lines while the other team is trying to breakout with the puck in their own end. The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for the opposing team to make a clean entry into your defensive zone, so that they either turn over the puck or are forced to dump it in and fight for it along the boards.

It used to be a lot more effective pre-lockout when there was a lot more holding and obstruction, but you still see variants of it as its still effective at forcing puck carriers to the outside and taking away the center ice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq4Q6XKZx_w

 

[Catfish]

I did not grow up with hockey. I've watched it on a regular basis only since the Coyotes moved here and have been to several games. I've learned enough that I do have a decent grasp on the rules. I know icing, offsides, interference, etc, and all that stuff.

Here's my question:

So, when they talk about "systems" what am i missing, if anything?

I hear hockey players and analysts talk about "systems". But, I don't really see that. What I see in hockey is that it is more based on attitude than set types of systems and assignments. Basically, teams that shoot pucks at the net, and are willing to take punishment in front of the net, tend to score more. Teams that deal out more punishment in the defensive end, and have good goaltending, are tough to score on. For example, when Gretzky was coach I'd see guys stand right between two of our defensemen, barely get touched, and then deflect a puck into the net or slap in a rebound. That would drive me nuts. I can't recall that happening this year.

I do see some teams tend to dump into the boards and grind it out there a little more than some of the more skilled teams like Pittsburgh or Chicago, that pass out to the point or cross ice a little more often. But, is there more to it than that?

I did not record the game in Dallas on Sunday, but if you can find someone who did, and who can get you a copy of it, there is a very interesting interview about Ulf Samuelson talking about defensive layers. It seemed to change, predicated upon where the puck was in relationship to the goal we were defending. That is one strategy I'm sure, concerning what you were asking about.

If you stick close to the TV during period breakes, the coaches go over many things that help the novice fan, (like me), to understand the game better. Some of it is fascinating to watch and listen to, then to watch for in the match.

 

[puckhead]

One of the best ways I found to learn about different systems is in most of the newly released NHL video games. There is almost always a section that goes over just who goes where and who does what. Definitely worth a rental.

As Cat mentioned, the local broadcasts have been doing their "Hockey 101" segments and some of the "303" sections have featured Dave King who is tremendous at explaining the Coyotes particular defensive system.

 

[Catfish]

One of the best ways I found to learn about different systems is in most of the newly released NHL video games. There is almost always a section that goes over just who goes where and who does what. Definitely worth a rental.

Great point Puckhead. I am not a video gamer, but my son is, and you are right on with the idea of getting information from the video games. Thanks for that, because many of the fans that we hope to attract, are going to be video gamers too.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

i too think video games help

if watching the coyotes games keep an eye out for "tell us strader" and the 101 segments - they do a good job at pointing stuff out

you can really see it on the defensive end, on establishing the zone and on the specials units

a lot of it has to do with spacing, movement, how active of a role the defenseman play, etc

next time you watch a game spend some time watching just the defenders from both teams (if the cameras will allow you) - see if they tend to guard the blueline, move to shooting lanes, pinch in to help the play (if they do pinch in who takes up their responsibility at the blueline), etc

there is a lot of strategy that goes on - and yes, you do need some desire to impliment your strategies

it's not as simplistic as dump and chase, establish the zone, cycle the puck, get in front of the net and blast shots

if you follow basketball and are used to watching the play as opposed to the ball you'll see that a lot is similar in the way they chose lanes to skate in, spacing, movement, etc

 

[Catfish]

i too think video games help

if watching the coyotes games keep an eye out for "tell us strader" and the 101 segments - they do a good job at pointing stuff out

you can really see it on the defensive end, on establishing the zone and on the specials units

a lot of it has to do with spacing, movement, how active of a role the defenseman play, etc

next time you watch a game spend some time watching just the defenders from both teams (if the cameras will allow you) - see if they tend to guard the blueline, move to shooting lanes, pinch in to help the play (if they do pinch in who takes up their responsibility at the blueline), etc

there is a lot of strategy that goes on - and yes, you do need some desire to impliment your strategies

it's not as simplistic as dump and chase, establish the zone, cycle the puck, get in front of the net and blast shots

if you follow basketball and are used to watching the play as opposed to the ball you'll see that a lot is similar in the way they chose lanes to skate in, spacing, movement, etc

Good stuff there Osprey