Penalty kills can shift momentum as much as a power play. Here are some things to keep in mind when you find yourself with fewer men on the ice:
- Keep shifts short whenever possible
- Take away the middle (Forwards: Your butt should be facing your goalie)
- Disrupt the passing lanes
- Win the face-off
- Clear the puck high off the glass
- Spread out the ice
- Don’t congregate in front of the net (it isn’t a soccer penalty kick)
- Play keep away. Remember: time is on your side
- Keep your stick on the ice
- Don’t allow opponents in the slot
- Sacrifice your body to block a shot
- Use only one forechecker
- Communicate!
Winning a penalty kill can rally your team and discourage your opponent–and a shorthanded goal can be absolutely demoralizing.
Here’s a good example of the Canucks playing shorthanded:
Tags: defense, positioning
