Tips on Playing the Front of the Net (5 on 5)

Some people don't need tips playing in front of the net. These people are generally 6'9, 255 lbs, and born in Slovakia. Defensively the thing is, while most defensemen shouldn't have trouble clearing the little kid out of the front of the net, sometimes there are two little kids. Or a big kid. Or worse, two big kids. Even somebody like Chara wouldn't be able to manhandle Byufuglien and Anthropov at the same time. And what happens when Chara turns into Dan Boyle? Playing the front of the net isn't as simple as pushing somebody away. This post isn't just about pushing someone out of the way though. It has to do with how to play the front of the net in general, depending on the play, and using everything to your advantage. For example, what is the point of standing in front of the net, screening the goalie, when there is nobody to clear out of the front of the net? Offensively, it's important too. As a defenseman, I'm thinking "Why do I need to be in front of the net?" Well, my playing style brings me to the front of the net sometimes. When I sneak into the zone, the point isn't to just sprint back to the blue line. Defensemen have to start getting more comfortable playing where a forward usually plays. It usually doesn't backfire. Look how well players like Brent Burns and Dustin Byufuglien transitioned to defense, just because they are comfortable playing as a forward. When a defenseman carries the puck up, they don't just have to pass it and get back to defense. They can pass it and crash the net and play the front of the net instead. So without further ado, let the tips begin.

On defense, playing the front of the net is an important skill. It's easy as long as you stay alert. Remember to have your head on a swivel, always. If someone is going Tomas Holmstrom in front of the net, as in standing in front of the goalie to screen them, first check back-door. That doesn't mean back-door immediately in front of the net. This means back door all the way up to the top of the circle. If someone is crashing back door, you have to make that person a priority. If no one is back door (And no, the corner is not back door, but you should keep an eye on someone in the corner), then move onto the person in front of the net. If you can, meaning you have the position on the other player, put your stick on their back and give a little push. Try to get them square in the back though, because if you focus on one of their sides more than the other, they can roll off of you. It's not cross-checking unless you start the motion with the stick not on the person. If the stick is on the person and you just give a little push, you won't get a penalty. If you're in a one ref game though, and the ref isn't looking, go all out on a cross-check to the back though, because it hurts like hell and may draw a penalty. If you can't push the person out of the way, start working on their legs. Give a slash or two on the toe of their skate or the back of their calves, and chances are they'll get distracted. Also, use your extensive vocabulary. In front of the net in a big game, I turn into Sean Avery. If you get slashed or something, fall down and try to draw a penalty if the puck isn't in a scoring position. Really, you should be trying to draw a penalty as much as you are trying to move the other player while tying them up. If they are immune to Sean Avery tactics however, and you can't move them, switch over to simply lifting their stick from behind them. You don't want to stand next to them and help screen your own goalie. Also, you should limit your activity in front of the net (Except for the talking) to when the player actually is a factor in front of the net. You shouldn't cross check the other player when the puck is tied up in the corner and there is no way it's getting to the front of the net. Usually you save that for when someone is setting up with the puck, shooting, or when the puck is at the point or in the slot. Also, once again, head on a swivel. If you see someone crashing back-door, or someone snuck out from the corner and set up back door, or if someone sets up high in the slot, that person is the priority, until the shot comes. That means go in a position where you can easily intercept a pass to them while staying as close to the person in front of the net as you can (Unless that person is already covered). If your team is functioning properly, whoever left the person high/back-door in the first place should cover the guy in front of the net for you. If no one is in front of the net for you to cover, you should cover the person nearest to the net not already covered. Try not to go into the corners though your defensive partner is already there. If you get caught in the corner with your d-partner, and someone sneaks in the high slot or back door, things can turn ugly. If everyone is covered, and the person who should be in front of the net on the other team isn't there, and there is no one back-door (Remember up to the top of the circle) you should be around the hash marks on the strong side, ready to either go back to cover for the person who lost in the corner, or to join in on the breakout. If the puck comes up to one of the wingers on your team, you are close enough so that you can swing and act as a center, making the rush start a couple of seconds early. If the puck is lost to the other team down low, you're in perfect position to intercept a pass to the weak side defenseman on the other team, step up and prevent someone from going to the net, or to cover someone who decides to crash back-door. If the puck is thrown around the net, you are in a good position to skate far side hash mark on the other circle and let the puck meet you there (You don't want to chase the puck, so it's easier to look around for the play while waiting for the puck, rather than looking at the puck chasing it, wasting energy and time). For the third time, the most important rule in front of the net is to be aware, so head on a swivel. If when you're on the hash mark, if you notice someone on the other team backing away from the corner to the front of the net, be ready to jump on them in case they get a pass (You should be close enough to them if they do get out of the corner that you can get to them faster than they get a pass.) Also, if the puck is dumped into the zone, and your defensive partner gets to it first, stay around the hashmarks and watch out for anybody coming into the zone late. If you get too far back in the zone, they might get a good chance. A good rule of thumb for playing anywhere in the defensive zone is to stay as high as possible in the zone while still covering your man.

Now for the offensive side of playing the front of the net. As a defenseman, this only applies to me a few seconds each game (Unless my coach puts me on offense for the power play, which happens sometimes), but might as well maximize those few seconds. First of all, if the puck goes to the point, or is in a scoring position for whoever has it, step in front of the goalie and screen him. Feel free to talk to the goalie and any defensemen who tie you up as well. If the puck isn't in a scoring position, fade away up into the mid to high slot back-door. If you get the puck there, you get a gift-wrapped goal, barring the goalie turning into Tim Thomas. If you're being covered, you should try to move to the side , using the other defenseman as a screen, and hopefully to get into a position to roll off of them (Try to move to the slot, so if you get the puck, you get a better chance then you would horizontal to the net. If there's a rebound, don't hesitate to hit to the net no matter where it is (Unless you get it while crashing the net, when you have more time). When crashing the net, go straight for the goalie 100%. If he has the puck covered, give him a snow shower, and hope he gets up a little in retaliation. If the puck comes out, be a little patient unless you can guarantee a goal and wait a second to move a bit and pick a corner. If you crash and someone covers you, run them (Unless it's the goalie). Make it look like they hit into you though, so you don't get a penalty (That means don't drop your shoulder or lift your arms too much; also, make sure you don't hit them head-to-head.)

Breakdown: (Defense)

• Head on a swivel.
• Remember that back-door extends all the way to the top of the circle.
• Make sure you're not covering your goalie too
• Use the English language. 
• Try to draw penalties.
• If circumstances favor you covering someone in front of the net, try to push them with your stick (Try not to knock them down); if the ref isn't looking, unleash a cross-check on them.
• If you can't push someone, slash them around the ankles, toe, back of the calf, wherever.
• If this doesn't work, lift their stick.
• Head on a swivel.
• Chill when the puck isn't getting to the front of the net, but remember to talk.
• Head on a swivel.
  
• If your d-partner is in the corner and no one is in front of the net, stay near the hash-marks.
• Don't sink too far into the zone when covering the front of the net on a dump-in: stay near the hash-marks when you can. 

 Breakdown: (Offense) 

• Screen the goalie when the puck is in a position to be shot.
• Talk to the goalie and defensemen who tie you up.
• Fade away up into the mid slot back-door while the puck isn't in scoring position.
• Move to the side (Preferably to the slot) when you're being covered, and try to roll off of the other defenseman.
• When in front of the net, get the rebound to the net as fast as possible.
• When crashing, if the goalie covers the puck, give him a little snow shower.
• When crashing, take time to pick corners if you get a rebound, unless you're sure you'll score.
• If a defenseman gets a body on you when you're crashing, run him, but make it look like he tried to hit you.

Tips on Playing the Point

There are many different types of players, especially on defense. These players can be grouped into broader catagories, mainly offensive players and defensive players. The biggest difference between these two types of players is that offensive players are smarter in the offensive zone and usually start the rush, while defensive players are smarter in the defensive zone and usually stop the rush. The ideal defenseman is somewhere between these types of players. In order to be in the middle of these two playing styles, you must know how to play in the offensive zone, which most defensemen don't know how to do. Unfortunately, a lot of forwards haven't realized the benefits of passing the puck to the point. So a defenseman must learn how to play the point by themself. Players like Mark Streit and Andrei Markov are considered two of the best power-play defensemen because of their hard shots and their offensive intelligence. Sometimes a team will put a forward on the point, especially if they lack offensively-intelligent defensemen (New Jersey Devils). Playing the point is an all the time thing though, and it's more important to know how to play the point when both teams have all of their players.Teams may change their forecheck, and it's advisable to listen to your coaches, but this post is for a team with an aggressive forecheck, or at least for aggressive defensemen.

The first rule of playing the point is to be aggressive when you can. Try to play low in the zone (If you ever have a chance to watch Niklas Kronwall on the Red Wings, do it, because he's good at staying low in the offensive zone.) You should try to be around the top of the circle, not at the blue line. If you see a chance to step up when you're on the strong side, do it. The best time to step up is when you're playing the point, and the winger/center on the other team is about to get a breakout pass. A good rule of thumb is don't do it unless there are at least three people down low on the other team in the zone though (Low means below bottom of circle with little momentum, in corner, or in front of the net with no momentum). If you're not going to step up and take the puck, at least try to gap up and get a stick-length away (Or two just to be safe). You shouldn't step up if you're more than two strides away also (Except under certain circumstances). Read the play; that means if there are two people on your side when you want to step up, and you are the only person on your side, even if you have support in the center, don't step up. When you step up, make sure if you can't get the puck, get the body. That means tie the person up, him them, whatever, as long as they don't pass you. If the puck is shot around the boards, try to meet it a low as possible in the zone, rather than at the blue line. Also remember your goal in stepping up is to keep your team on the attack. If you get the puck, even if you have no time, don't just dump it back in, control the puck. Eat it along the boards and get some help, or skate to open ice, or make a pass to an open person (Be wary of passing to your D-partner though).  The point is to stay on the attack, not give the other team a breakout. If you can, cut to the slot (With your head up) and take a low, hard wrist shot. Defensemen have to also remember to step up even if there isn't an intended recipient of the pass, meaning that the other team just wapped the puck around the boards. Usually you should be able to get to the puck in the corner, and you should have some time to do something with it. If you do step up, the forwards should cover the point. The way to look at the offensive zone forecheck is that there are three "active" attackers and two "passive" ones. The passive ones are the ones on the point, and the goal is to get them into the play. The offensive zone is really just a cycle, where the three active attackers attack, and if one gets beat one of the passive attackers (Who are kind of in reserve) step up and make sure that whoever has the puck is pressured and covered. When they do step up in place of a forward, someone has to go back into "reserve" to cover for them. Remember that the first pass to the wingers/center usually beats the attackers, and that usually means step up. When someone on your team has the puck, and  you are weak side, get open for a pass as close to the net as possible without being covered (Use your discretion). If you get the pass, shoot it hard and crash the net, then skate back to the point when the puck goes to the corner or is covered by the goalie. The hardest person to cover in front of the net is the defenseman who times the play just right enough to get the puck and get into scoring position at the same time. Remember, you should try to be open for a pass at all times without being irresponsible defensively. Depending on where all of the other players are on the ice, you should have a large area or a little to work with. And if your team has the puck, you can work with a lot more ice, so keep possession. Now that what you do when you don't have the puck is out of the way, it's time to focus on what to do when you have the puck. First off, if you have an open lane, take a couple of strides and take a hard, low wrist shot. Don't take a slap shot unless you are on the powerplay (And have time) or have a really hard slapshot. If you don't have an open lane, your first look should be back door. If someone is open, don't hesitate to make a hard pass. If it looks like no one is open, remember you can bank it off or around the boards. You don't want to throw the puck back into the corner, because then you're throwing it back into traffic. Same rule applies in the neutral zone and defensive zone; you generally don't want to put the puck back to where you got it from. If you get a pass from the corner, don't put it back there unless you have no other choice. If no one is open back door, look to your defensive partner. If he's covered, make a decision between skating it and adapting to what happens, or dumping it into the corner (Preferrably to the weak side corner). It's always a good idea to keep your feet moving on the point, and use as much ice as possible. When taking a shot, shoot it low, and try to get it back door where hopefully someone can deflect it. Also, look for the open area's when it seems no one's open (See post on passing)

Breakdown:

• Stay low in the zone
• Play aggressively on the point
• Step up when you can, but only when three people are down low on the other team
• When you get the puck, don't just throw it away, do something with it
• Time the play when you are weak side to get a pass in scoring position
• Take low, quick wrist shots in liu of hard, high slapshots
• Look back door, and to your D-partner
• Keep your feet moving, and use all available ice
• You should try to be open for a pass at all times without being irresponsible defensively

Tips on the Mental Game

Believe it or not, the mental game is important. Some people think it's really important, around 70-80% of the game, others ignore it completely. I think it's around 50% of the game. No matter how stupid you may be on the ice, if you have much more talent then everyone else you should be one of the best. An example of this would be Eric Lindros. Not saying he didn't anticipate the play, but most people in the NHL did it better than him. However, his skills were unmatched, and he was one of the strongest as well. Another example, again inaccurate, is Ilya Kovalchuk. Once again, he does read the play, but he's not good at it. He is one of the fastest in the game, has great hands and a great shot, and he's 6'3. That's why he's a 40 goal scorer. On defense, he seems semi-retarded, and he isn't good at passing or finding the open man, but when he has the puck, he can do incredible things with it. What stops Ilya Kovalchuk and Eric Lindros from being on the same level as players like Mario Lemieux and Alex Ovechkin? The mental game, whether it's emotional control, positive thinking, resilience, anticipating the play, or whatever it is. Mario Lemieux and Ovechkin are big, strong guys like Lindros and Kovalchuk, and the skill levels are similar, but where Kovalchuk is a 40 goal scorer, Ovehckin is a 60 goal scorer, and where Lindros is a point per game player, Lemieux is Lemieux (A 2 point per game player). One of the best at the mental game was Wayne Gretzky. It's been said so many times, but it's completely true. He had so much patience with the puck, that he forced you to make the first move. He was so disciplined he didn't chase the puck, but let the puck chase him. I can guarentee if he ever made a bad play, he probably forgot about it. One thing about great players is their ability to forget. Weak play for a couple of shifts or a couple of games in the past, or an unfortunate incident doesn't affect their efficiency. An injury or cheap shot doesn't change their mentality. Look at Sheldon Souray: He's been injured multiple times from fighting and getting cheap shotted. I think a few weeks ago in the AHL he got into another fight and broke his hand. He is incredibly tough, both mentally and physically. After he broke his hand, he continued fighting with his other hand. And later in the year when he returns, he'll continue fighting. Look at Marian Gaborik: He gets injured all of the time. He still hasn't decided to sacrifice those 10 goals to play safer. The mental game is often ignored and is also the hardest part to teach. To be good at it, a player has to want to be good at it. There are many aspects to the mental game, from resilience to toughness to positive thinking to anticipating the play. Anticipating the play more directly affects your game more than anything else, and therefore accounts to about 25% of your mental game (In my opinion.) The other aspects of mental play are more about consistency and how willing you are to winning.

The first half of the mental game is everything that is not anticipating the play. This is more about managing your thoughts and emotions in order to play a consistent game. It is incredibly hard to do, and it basically involves brainwashing yourself into being endlessly positive and fearless. I'll start with positive thinking, then go on to resilience and make probably make another Ilya Kovalchuk reference (Just angry the Devils are losing a lot) then emotional control, then team play, then toughness, then imagery. So first off is positive thinking, a.k.a. brainwashing. You have to be so positive that you never think you're playing badly. The truth is, you are rarely playing poorly, even if you think you are. I remember a week or so ago, I finished a game which we won 2-0, and I felt like I played horribly. After the game, my coach told me he thought that was my best game of the year so far. Don't focus on the past, unless it is positive. Think about it like this: you probably could've made a better play two or three times per shift. About one time every two or three shifts, you make a bad decision and it shows. That means you screw up once or twice every two or three shifts. That screw up lasts for about half a second. The average shift is probably 50 seconds. That means every 1:40, you make .5 seconds of bad plays. Don't focus on that half of a second. Also, as far as the plays that you could've made better choices, that is about 2 seconds every 50 seconds. The truth is, you should look pretty good for the majority of your shift. Another thing about thinking positive is to tell yourself you are good. For about a minute or two before I go on the ice or go to bed, I tell myself a few positive things about my game; "I'm a great skater," "No one can skate faster than me," "I'm a good hitter," "I read the play really well," or stuff like that. Don't worry about what other people like your teammates, coaches, or fans may think. Just worry about what you think, and play your way. Don't let what you think they think control you. Eventually what you think they think is better. If someone is bothering you, I've heard praying for them works. Eventually, your opinion will change, even if they don't. If you feel awkward doing a religious thing, then I guess you can write an imaginary letter to them or something like that. Another part of thinking positive is confidence and pride. You have to be proud of your accomplishments. No matter what, if you play hockey, you are probably better then 80% of the world's population, maybe more. If you score a goal in a game, don't downplay your achievement during the celebration. Don't overdue it like a certain pro named Alex Ovechkin do, but celebrate a little. As for confidence, it is important. You have to trust yourself more than anyone else. A coach once told me "If you don't think you can convert, don't even try, because it won't work." That means if you don't think you can do it, you can't. If you think you can do it, you should convert more often. And have confidence in more than one part of your game. If you are your team's best sniper, that's great, but if you haven't been scoring, don't get frustrated but start passing a little more and playing defensively. A well-rounded player is usually consistent, because their performance doesn't revolve around one thing. Enough with positive thinking, you should understand by now. Resilience is important, and if you plan on playing junior, college, or any other high level hockey, resilience is one of the things coaches and scouts look for. Basically, resilience is not giving up. If you get a pass and it bounces off of your stick, one of two thoughts go through your head: "Get the puck now" or "Screw it, someone else will get it." Now for the Kovalchuk reference. A lot of Devils games I watch, I see Kovalchuk miss a pass and lose interest in the puck. Not that he should lose his position and chase the puck, but he should give a second effort. Not good what he does. Resilience can also be backchecking hard, fighting for the puck in the corner, or even going after rebounds. One of the most important times to be resilient is when you are playing the body while defending the rush. It may last for a second or two, but if you're going against someone bigger and stronger than you, and you give up for a split second, they will go through you. If you ever watch that really small kid on your team play closely, you will probably see he has one of the best work ethics on the team. One kid on my team who is about 5'2, 90 lbs is the hardest working player on my team. Whenever he gets beat, he outworks the other person to get the puck back. Sometimes he goes a little overboard and gets a penalty, but he does outwork everyone. You have to stay with them; if you fall down, you still have to try to get the puck. Basically, resilience is commitment. Even though it is scary, it has its rewards. One kid on my team, a forward, is one of the most hard-working, resilient players I have ever seen. Although his skill level is questionable, he gets ice time because he is one of the best penalty killer in the league. He's definitely the best penalty killer I've ever seen. Emotional control is next. Once again, very important. It's okay to have emotion during a hockey game, but you have to control it. First of all, don't take stupid retaliation penalties. It's stupid. It can cost you the game. If you want revenge, get that players number, then wreck him the first chance you get. My coach likes to say two minutes at the most, but make it worth it. That means if you have to finish your check late or charge them or something, do it, but then forget about it. Or even better, you can hit them cleanly. Protect yourself, but if you retaliate badly enough, the other team will retaliate. Then you may get hurt; so you're not protecting yourself. Also, be one of those people who draws penalties. You don't necessarily have to be Sean Avery, but in front of the net and in corners learn how to play physical without drawing a penalty. Tie up a player in front of the net, push team, lift their stick, and if you're lucky they'll do something back. In the corners finish your checks hard, and don't hold back. As far as emotional control goes, it is important to focus, even when you're not on the ice. On the bench, get into a routine in which you do something on the bench. I like to pretend I'm one of the players on the ice and see what I would do. But you can also do something like thing of words that rhyme with other words, or count backwards as low as you can starting from a random number. Anything which keeps you from thinking about your last shift really, because you want to prevent bad thoughts. If you come off of the ice angry, take ten deep breaths, drink some water, daydream about fairies and unicorns, do whatever it takes to chill out. On the ice, since you can't do that, just remember not to get more than two minutes. You should be having fun during hockey, and you can't do that if you're angry. If you want to take out your anger, go play football. I think I mentioned this before, but if you're not doing something well, such as scoring or hitting, then focus on the other parts of your game like passing or playing well in the corners.  Although your skill level never varies from day to day, sometimes you don't play as well as you normally do. It's better to stop doing something before you get frustrated then to keep doing it and get even more negative and angry. An important part of emotional control is being able to stay calm under pressure. If you hold on to the puck a second longer and make the better play, it will make you a much better player. A few days ago, I tried playing a game after pulling my groin. I skated about 1/10th of my normal speed though. This made me slower at pretty much everything, and pretty much made me hold the puck a second longer than normal because I got the puck a second later than normal. Although I sucked, I did see a couple of really good passes I normally miss, and made some good plays I normally don't. Moral of the story is to not panic under pressure. The best scorers and passers want the puck and have the patience to hold onto the puck a second longer than everyone else. Next time you watch a superstar play, watch how they hold on to the puck a little longer than everyone else. They usually touch the puck the same amount of times as everyone else, but they seem to have the puck longer. That is their patience. Also, remember to try as hard as you can but don't try too hard. The last game I played I was benched after hesitating before stepping up on someone, which led to me being benched for a shift or two. I came back skating about 100 miles per hour. I ended up getting the puck, skating around the net, skating the puck up, and almost getting leveled; even though I wasn't leveled, the pressure forced a turnover. That is a good example of getting frustrated, and because I tried too hard, I made more problems then I should've. Remember that hockey is a team game, and you can't do it yourself. When you try to do it yourself, you play worse. Speaking of team play, it is important to be a team player. It is possible to play and be seen as a star, while still hurting your team. Remember, the ultimate goal is to win (Or have fun, depending on how you see it.) Although everyone wants to be Ovechkin and take 10 shots per game trying to snipe them all top shelf, it doesn't work (Unless you are Ovechkin.) If you have to snipe top shelf and hope the goalie misses the puck, then I suggest passing to a teammate in a better scoring position instead, or at least creating a better chance by holding onto the puck a little longer. If there are no teammates in a better scoring position, and you can't create a better scoring position, shoot low and crash the net for a rebound. Once you get the rebound, that's when you snipe top shelf. Try to stay in your position. You may look good skating around and always being near the puck, but your teammates can do that just as well as you. You're better off letting your teammates play the puck on their side and providing support then being a puck hog without the puck. Another part of being a team player is adapting to your teams needs. I swear to God (Or Allah, or Budda, or whoever) that if another forward hangs while on a penalty kill on my team, I will kill them. If it's defense time, make an effort to play defense. If you're losing 5-0, now's the time to hand and play offense-first. If your teammates are being outhit, then start hitting back. Usually, the best player at doing that on a team wears a C. Either the best player at that, or the player who draws the most fans like Kovalchuk did and Atlanta and Ovechkin does in Washington. But most captains are not one-dimensional players such as: Ryan Getzlaf, Zdeno Chara, Jarome Iginla, Eric Staal, Johnathan Toews, Nicklas Lidstrom, Dustin Brown, Bryan McCabe, Jamie Langenbrunner, Shea Weber, Mike Richards, Mikko Koivu, Chris Drury, and Shane Doan, just to name a few. They may lean more towards offense than defense, or visa-versa, but they play both ways. Also, team players make their teammates look better. Look at what Crosby did to Kunitz. He made him a pretty good player despite injuries. Know your teammates tendencies and skills, and don't be afraid to pass. Next is toughness. It is important to be able to battle through adversity. If you are hurt, if your team is losing, if you are playing weakly, you have to have the ability to get back on track and play as though nothing happened. Toughness isn't just for external pain and injuries; mental "injuries" can be just as devastating. One thing a lot of coaches say is "The score is always 0-0." This means that even if you're winning 10-1, the games not over, and if you stop playing hard, you can lose that lead, no matter how unlikely it seems. As for injuries, my only advice is don't be stupid. If you have an injury, let it fully heal. However, when it is fully healed, forget about it. If you come back from an injury and on your first game back say "Well, I separated my shoulder a month ago, so I can't play that well." If you can't play that well, then don't play. If you just have a boo-boo, suck it up though. It won't screw over the rest of your life if you make it worse, unlike a real injury. Another example of toughness is overcoming fear. If the other team is bigger and stronger than you, and maybe a little dirty, you can't just let the get the puck. Watch out for yourself, but play to win. In my opinion, the best players to win with are the though players who have skill, but aren't afraid to throw a hit or take one. Those tough players can be anyone from Dennis Potvin to Bobby Orr to Gordie Howe to Cam Neely to Brendan Shanahan. Even a player like Ovechkin. However, it usually isn't a player like a Crosby. Obviously this doesn't apply to Crosby because he is Crosby, but a good example would be the difference between Paul Stastny and Mike Richards. Both players are about equally talented, similar height, but Mike Richards plays a Philly-hockey style while Paul Stastny doesn't. They put up similar numbers, but most people think of Richards as the better player, because he's a little tougher, both physically and mentally. The last thing besides anticipating the play is imagery. Just know you can simulate real-life game situations in your head to determine what you do. My favorite way to use imagery is to play Hockey Ultimate League on NHL11. It's not as good as a scrimmage, but it puts you in situations similar to game situations which you must react similar to how you would in a game. If I ever want to drill a habit into your head, I usually play a few games on NHL11 using it as much a possible. For example, because of NHL11 I reverse a little more readily, sink into the defensive zone more often, and play a little more aggresively near the far blue line. Maybe it just works for me, but if you have  it I'd suggest trying it. If you don't have it, then mental imagery works well too, but it kind of gives me a headache. Lastly is anticipating the play. I won't go in depth into situations and what to do. So I will summarize anticipating the play as: skate with your head up, know what you do before you do it, don't just throw the puck into an open space and hope it's a good pass, adapt to the situation, and don't block out your surroundings. Be aware of the play outside of what you are trying to do. Obviously that's not everything, but just make the play you think is best. There is no right way to read a play, and that's why people can excel playing with different styles.

Breakdown

• Just read it; I'm too tired to summarize this

Top 10 Hitters of all time in the NHL

I don't have enough time to do this yet, so I'll add a little bit every once in a while

10. Peter Forsberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIRiqrrJv1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6wztXS2f14
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M216t3utLSI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYsLM06hRuI
Couldn't find much more Forsberg

9. Mike Richards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIXcGOr4-04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd3gmPkVtk8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aK_N39aTYI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktn5Vdvu9vg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyVgccKJE-Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4L2xWdogVo
I think there's enough there

8. Wendel Clark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGRheKlGbq0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlPsx-mEUD8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcPslh5QZjs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYqGj5gCXtI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwkeObOBJF8

7. Darius Kasparaitis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tylu3vEWwE4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS5ReimAl-M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBBPz0ew27o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjW7qK2BiBo&feature=related

Kind of hard to find hits by Kasparaitis

6. Dennis Potvin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUWCHxrdSQ&feature=related

Can't find any other Potvin hits, but they're out there

5. Vladimir Konstantinov

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1uhorF5LA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CX9bLdUqM8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qRtGKnKbXU&feature=related

Can't find any other Konstantinov hits

4. Eric Lindros

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqyNCs8i3g

That'll give you an idea about what he was about

3. Rob Blake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ck-PyDd4O8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ-gZR2iHFg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu1lAGZKadk&feature=related

Seems like enough to me

2. Dion Phaneuf

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

In the modern NHL, almost all big hits can be found on youtube. I'm not looking up all of them. So there's a tribute video.

1. Scott Stevens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY1bUvx3_ao

9 Minutes of Scott Stevens

Tips on Defending the Rush

I've been fearing the day I had to post this for days. I knew this would be a very long post; after all, there are so many types of rushes. 1 on 1, 2 on 1, 1 on 2, 3 on 1, 3 on 2, etc. So I decided to stick with defending the 1 on 1, 2 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 1, and 3 on 2, and nothing else. Just know that this took me almost an hour to type, so appreciate it. And unlike a skill like shooting, rushes have no set rules. There are guidelines, but they are JUST GUIDELINES. That means don't follow them word for word every time. Remember them, but react according to what is happening on the rush. Rushes are what defensemen love. A lot. Defensemen always seem to go on the line that defends the rush instead of the line that is on the rush at practice. However, they don't realize a few simple things that can make defending the rush easier. For example, they always seem to focus on the puck or puck carrier, and don't read what is going to happen in a few seconds. I'll start with the 1 on 1 first.

The 1 on 1 is the easiest rush to defend. Ever. It is actually easier for the defenseman to defend a 1 on 1 than for the forward to win a 1 on 1. The first rule of a one on one is to focus on the logo of the other player. People learn this at a young age, but don't know why you should focus on the logo. That is because it helps you play physically, which you can't do as a mite. Of course, looking at the logo also helps you not get fooled by dekes. Next, you should use gap control. This means skate up, and get close enough to hit the other players stick with your stick. It's not too close, which I think gapping up to be able to get your stick behind the other player is (that's what I learned when I was younger. Also when you gap up, you should be as close to the middle of the ice as possible. A good rule of thumb is that you should never pass the dots (Unless if the other person is fumbling the puck). Never is a bad word, because it is limiting, but it's more like 95% of the time never pass the dots. If you are playing against someone bigger than you, then you should stay closer to the slot then they are, but stay close enough to step up and stop them. For smaller guys, you can give them the outside, but if you give a bigger guy the outside, they can muscle their way to the slot and get a good scoring chance. So you should be able to step up and slow them down, or even better knock them down to keep them away from the net. When you're playing against someone who skates forward faster than you skate backwards (which happens often,) give them room on the outside. But stay in the middle of the ice. You should gap up though, even though you may not be able to reach them on the outside. They should be perpendicularly vertical to you at the hashmarks if you gap up properly. However, for them to get a good scoring chance, they need to cut into the slot, where you're already guarding. And if they cut up, you can slow down and play them. If you see them at the hashmarks, you should start stopping so you don't hit your goalie, and look for trailers. If the player with the puck tries to cut behind you, lay them out. If they try to deke, just keep them out of the slot, giving them a shot, but not from the slot. When you're playing against someone on a one on one where you are gapped up and can reach the puck, you should poke check the puck (Not wild poke checks, but enough to keep them focused on the puck.) When they drop their head, you should be close enough to explode into them and level them, or at least push them with your hand. Remember when you skate backwards to keep your outside hand up, and don't be afraid to use that hand. Even if you're on the boards, use that hand to push them into the boards. If you're playing a one on one against someone who refuses to move from the slot, slow down when you're near the top of the circle so they get closer to you, and level them as soon as they're within reach. Also remember to be aware of backcheckers from your team. If they cut to the outside when they're close enough to be touched by your free hand, step in front of them, get low, and hit or flip them. You really need to be physical to be successful. Remember when you poke-check or go to hit to not lose your square to the puck-carrier. Square basically is facing them. If you poke-check and they get around you, you should be able to put a body on them. Also remember to use common sense, since these aren't rules but more of tips or guidelines. Don't follow these word for word.

Next is the two on one. On a two on one, gap up on the puck carrier before the blue line and throw a pokecheck or body check on them at the blue line where they can't pass, but don't commit to them. Don't gap up though if the person without the puck ends up behind you. Once you get into the zone, stay in the slot. Don't let the player with the puck in the slot, but don't commit to them. Put your stick in the passing lane between the two players you're facing on the rush. If the puck carrier tries to cut into the slot, leave your stick in the passing lane, but hit the puck carrier when they get close enough to you (Don't skate into him, let him skate into you). Also, try to slow down the play as much as possible so backcheckers can help you out. Try to learn to dictate a play without the puck. Try to make the player with the puck make a pass so you can intercept it. Then jump up and carry the puck up. That way for a short time you outnumber the other team 5 to 3. Also remember to use common sense, since these aren't rules but more of tips or guidelines. Don't follow these word for word.

Now for the two on two. Simply put, if you are playing the player with the puck, call out to your defensive partner (Communication), and play it like a one on one. If you're playing the player without the puck, stay in between the player with the puck and player without the puck while staying as close as possible to the middle of the ice. If the player with the puck passes to the free man, pressure him as much as possible if you can't intercept the pass. And if the puck carrier cuts into the slot with his head down, level him. Also remember to use common sense, since these aren't rules but more of tips or guidelines. Don't follow these word for word.

Next is the three on one. This is the toughest one to play. Gap up before the blue line like it was a two on one. But then as soon as the puck crosses over into your zone, get to the slot. Your goal is to stall the play as much as possible. Meaning keep the puck out of the slot. Usually players on a three on one go into a triangle. If this is the case, stay in the middle of the triangle. Make sure the high man does not get the puck, he has the most options if he does. Don't play the puck carrier unless he tries to shoot or cut into the slot. If the players don't go into a triangle and instead go into a straight line. Play the puck carrier only if he's the middle man. If he's not, just make sure you're in front of the middle player, and make sure the weak side winger doesn't sneak behind you and cut into the slot since you can't hit him if he does since he doesn't have the puck. Also remember to use common sense, since these aren't rules but more of tips or guidelines. Don't follow these word for word.

Next is the three on two, which is my favorite. The player defending the puck carrier plays a one on one with him, and tells his defensive partner he is playing the puck carrier. The player playing against the two players without the puck stays in the middle of the two possible passing lanes the puck carrier has, while staying as close to the middle of the ice as possible. If the puck carrier cuts in, level him like on a two on one. Also remember to use common sense, since these aren't rules but more of tips or guidelines. Don't follow these word for word all the time.

Breakdown

• Not happening. Read the post.