Offensive-Minded D-Zone Face-Offs

Offensive-Minded D-Zone Face-Offs

Coaches' Corner, Defensive Zone, Philosophy, Team Systems
Offensive-Minded D-Zone Face-Offs I'm a huge fan of offensive-minded face-offs in the defensive zone; especially on the penalty kill! Most teams expect you to play defense in your defensive zone, and when you attack aggressively you can really catch them off guard, particularly on face-offs. In this clip, Tyler Bozak loses a shorthanded draw against the Montreal Canadiens, then gets out quickly to the opposing defenseman, causing a turnover. From there he's able to chip the puck through, and win the footrace on the breakaway. A well-structured face-off set-up should give you offensive options whether your team wins or loses the draw. Give it a go, and start generating some offense from your defensive-zone face-offs! Enjoy!
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