Quote:
Originally Posted by adrnlnrush00
Werd. I second that motion.
In fact, when the D is in the corner below the goal line retrieving the puck, the other D man should be on the other side of the net to anticipate a pass behind the net.
The near boards winger should be halfway up the boards anticipating the pass.
The C should be in the slot waiting for an errant pass up the middle (note, shouldn't pass up the middle anyways).
And the far winger would be up the half-boards on the far side.
In the above scenario, my preference is usually to pass up the near boards to the near side winger; then, second, is to the defence on the other side of the net behind the net; third, to ring it around the boards to the far side winger; and last choice is to the C in the slot.
Note that all five players are still in the D zone and are not breaking out yet. I've played D and there has been a few times where I'm left with few passing choices because everyone has already left the zone and I'm under a bunch of pressure from opposing forecheckers. That situation actually led to a turnover and a goal against. =(.
I also agree that we should minimize passes in the neutral zone unless you've got a 100% clear lane. Either dump it in and we'll chase it or take it in yourself. Either way, just don't give it up in the neutral zone.
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If the Dman is battling with the puck, those would spread the D way too thin and, if the opposing player gets it, it's an easier one-timer as only the C is guarding the slot. Because of how EASHL makes you spread points, the C is usually the worst defensive player on the team (not to mention it's usually Skead, who cheats out of the zone. haha).
A better way to do it, IMO, is have the Dman guard the close part of the net, C guard between the circles, and far winger move down to cover the far side of the net and be ready for a pass behind the net.
Dmen are, by far, the best at deflecting and intercepting passes, so anytime we can have a Dman in front of the crease, we should.
This is what I'd like to see for EASHL:
Basic formation:
Wingers cover high slot, Center covers mid slot, Dmen cover crease
Puck at points:
Strong side winger pressures puck carrier, everyone else holds formation
Puck on side-boards:
Strong side winger pressures puck carrier, strong side dman moves down to take away pass down low, weak side dman covers strong side of the crease, C covers weak side of the crease, weak side winger covers slot.
Puck in corners:
Strong side dman pressures puck carrier, strong side wingers takes away pass to point, weak side dman covers strong side of crease, C covers weak side of crease, weak side winger covers slot
Puck behind the net:
Dmen move to goal line beside the crease, C covers front of crease, wingers cover passes to side boards/point
