Special Teams

I am a big believer, especially at the younger levels, in being aggressive on the penalty kill. Why? Because it teaches ANTICIPATION, which I think is the best penalty killing fundamental a player can possess.  The ability to read a play and act to disrupt that play is a great, positive habit while penalty killing. ...Read More

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a dominant power play.  There’s no question about it.  Here are few things that happen on this play that show the dynamics of why they can be so good. First off, Marner is a magician with the puck.  Between his entry pass to Tavares, and then his finding Kadri’s stick...Read More

COACHES: This clip shows two “No-No’s” when it comes to playing net front on the PK as a defenseman. 1. Don’t get tied up/picked with the net front player. Step & retreat. 2. Don’t lift your stick to cross-check. Keep it on the ice & take away a passing lane. Ends up in a GA…...Read More

On Twitter yesterday, I pointed out the chess match going on between Tampa Bay’s PP and New Jersey’s PK.  Between shot lanes, stick lanes, power play roles, personnel, etc…There is so much going on that allows a play to unfold on special teams.  From a strategic and skill standpoint, special teams are really fun to...Read More

COACHES: The PK is all about EVERY player doing their job. On this clip, you’ll see Wilson (43) get overextended high on Hedman…who is not a threat from there. This allows the lane to open up cross-ice from Kucherov to Stamkos (who is Wilson’s responsibility). DO YOUR JOB.Read More

COACHES: How much do you work on RETRIEVALS & RELEASES w/ your PP? If you want to be a shooting PP, you have to win battles to retrieve the puck after shots. VGK does a great job pursuing pucks in this clip & then using their middle player as a release from pressure. Great work!Read More