![]() ![]() If you can laterally move and kill (the rush) great, but if not, let the forwards track without giving up numbers. We’re a 1-2-2 team so we have our layers and we are asking our D to receive the rush at the blue line. This has empowered them to stay patient in the offensive zone which allowed them to consistently have the proper setup in the neutral zone as the other team starts their rush. They scored early and often on Seattle and Winnipeg, shutout the Blackhawks, and had a multi-goal lead on Calgary. So far, the Golden Knights have barely trailed at all. The moment a team falls behind, the numbers tend to increase. Game state is often a major catalyst in teams allowing these types of dangerous chances. Right now we’re just making really smart reads and playing smart hockey, especially in the O-zone. It’s a big reason why the goaltenders have gotten off to a hot start and it’s been crucial in why they haven’t conceded more than three goals in any game this year. ![]() The NHL doesn’t publicly offer statistics on odd-man rushes, but having watched every game live and rewatched them all a second or third time, I can confidently say Vegas has allowed fewer than 10 odd-man rushes on the young season. That was brought to my attention this summer so we’ve put some things in place and the players have bought in and believe in it as well. What we wanted to execute was fewer and fewer Grade A chances off the rush. Through all of the change, they’ve allowed hardly any 2-on-1 or breakaway chances through five games. With Bruce Cassidy at the helm, Vegas saw four new forward line combinations, a switch in neutral zone system, and a different plan in the defensive zone as well. However, even more impressive has been their ability to limit them going the other way. This year, especially against Los Angeles, Seattle, and Winnipeg, those chances have been plentiful and it’s a huge reason why the Golden Knights sit at 4-1-0 and in 1st in the NHL. When teams allow Vegas to get odd-man rushes, the Golden Knights tend to make them pay. The Golden Knights’ most dangerous weapon offensively for pretty much the entirety of their existence has been dominance off the rush. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen) ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |