Eagles' NHL Video Analyses - Welcome!
Pro Advantage Hockey would like to welcome all of the Eagles players who are viewing and reading this video post. These periodic video analyses are similar to those that were provided to Eagles players during a training session this past spring. The videos and an explanation of the videos are provided in an effort to give Eagles players a visual example of some of the hockey concepts and skills that are being worked on in practices as well as in the skills sessions with Pro Advantage Hockey/Greg Leeb. It is anticipated that there will be a new post every one or two weeks that will take examples from NHL games and demonstrate that many of the fundamental concepts and skills taught at the youth level can also be seen at the highest level of hockey. An email as well as a post on Twitter and Instagram regarding these posts will be sent out.
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Please note that links to these posts are exclusive and cannot be accessed by directly visiting the website of Pro Advantage Hockey. To view the selected video clips, please click on the link sent in the email.
Hopefully you will enjoy these posts and be able to benefit from them in order to further your hockey development.
Defensemen - 2vs1 Defensive Sliding block Feb 9, 2015
Eagles Players,
I have discussed this particular 2vs1 situation with a few of the defensemen in the organization and this clip is a good example of how to effectively execute this defensive play. The keys to proper execution are positioning and timing.
As a defensemen on a 2vs1 situation, one of the first things to keep in mind is taking the pass away to the player without the puck. As a general rule, you want to eliminate the pass and ultimately allow the goalie to face the shot. Ideally you want to give the puck carrier limited options and a poor angle to shoot on net. If you can stay in a position between the two attacking players and eliminate the pass while not allowing the puck carrier to have a clear breakaway, then you will effectively reduce the scoring percentages. Two other important things to keep in mind when laying out to slide are to make sure you are sliding to the side of the net so as not to come into contact with your goalie and to also be prepared to get back on your feet as quick as possible. Being mindful of these points will assist you with the correct positioning.
The second key is timing. As a last resort play you can perform a defensive slide but this maneuver must be done at the right time, not too far from the net and not too close. Ideally, laying out at the right time will give the puck carrier no option to pass, a bad angle shot and only the upper half of the net to shoot at.
Pay attention to the last part of this clip and study both the positioning and the timing of the defensemen executing this defensive play and also notice the limited options available to the puck carrier as the play gets deeper in the zone. Force yourself to practice this during drills and perhaps before and after practice. Become more familiar with your spatial awareness on the ice and staying in control of your body to be able to get back on your feet as quickly as possible or still make a defensive play with your stick.
Points to remember:
1. Correct positioning between offensive players
2. Eliminate the passing lane to the player without the puck
3. Timing of when you lay out is key to reducing puck carrier’s options
4. Slide towards the side of the net
5. Be in a position to get back on your feet quickly
2vs1 Defensive Slide
Click the following to access the link:Steve Mason Save on Nazem Kadri (07:04/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020733-231-h
I have discussed this particular 2vs1 situation with a few of the defensemen in the organization and this clip is a good example of how to effectively execute this defensive play. The keys to proper execution are positioning and timing.
As a defensemen on a 2vs1 situation, one of the first things to keep in mind is taking the pass away to the player without the puck. As a general rule, you want to eliminate the pass and ultimately allow the goalie to face the shot. Ideally you want to give the puck carrier limited options and a poor angle to shoot on net. If you can stay in a position between the two attacking players and eliminate the pass while not allowing the puck carrier to have a clear breakaway, then you will effectively reduce the scoring percentages. Two other important things to keep in mind when laying out to slide are to make sure you are sliding to the side of the net so as not to come into contact with your goalie and to also be prepared to get back on your feet as quick as possible. Being mindful of these points will assist you with the correct positioning.
The second key is timing. As a last resort play you can perform a defensive slide but this maneuver must be done at the right time, not too far from the net and not too close. Ideally, laying out at the right time will give the puck carrier no option to pass, a bad angle shot and only the upper half of the net to shoot at.
Pay attention to the last part of this clip and study both the positioning and the timing of the defensemen executing this defensive play and also notice the limited options available to the puck carrier as the play gets deeper in the zone. Force yourself to practice this during drills and perhaps before and after practice. Become more familiar with your spatial awareness on the ice and staying in control of your body to be able to get back on your feet as quickly as possible or still make a defensive play with your stick.
Points to remember:
1. Correct positioning between offensive players
2. Eliminate the passing lane to the player without the puck
3. Timing of when you lay out is key to reducing puck carrier’s options
4. Slide towards the side of the net
5. Be in a position to get back on your feet quickly
2vs1 Defensive Slide
Click the following to access the link:Steve Mason Save on Nazem Kadri (07:04/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020733-231-h
Evasive Maneuver Jack Eichel Jan 26, 2015
Eagles Players,
In the most recent World Junior hockey tournament, Jack Eichel (who is expected to be a first or second overall pick in the next NHL Draft) executed this particular evasive maneuver which was coincidentally introduced to the forwards of the U16 Eagles team a week or two prior to this game between Team USA and Finland. This type of maneuver is especially effective when your space is limited and cannot perform a tight turn with the puck or you cannot stop and change direction while handling the puck in front of you because of a defending player. In the Eagles training session we worked both on pulling the puck behind you by using the boards, as you will see Eichel do in this clip, and pulling the puck between your legs.
For those of you striving to improve your execution of this evasive maneuver, study the slow motion replay to assist with your visualization of this move.
This move can be practiced in a small area with or without the boards. The keys to executing this move using the boards are:
1. Stopping and moving the puck in the opposite direction should occur almost simultaneously.
2. Avoid hitting your feet with the puck by knowing where your feet are in relation to the path you want the puck to go.
3. When using the boards to bank the puck, the appropriate velocity and angle in which the puck bounces off the boards is key to maintaining good puck control.
Have fun working on this move and with enough practice it can become a natural and effective maneuver in your repertoire.
Defensemen - Drag and Shoot Jones Jan 21, 2015
Eagles Players,
The following clip is a great example of a defenseman dragging and shooting the puck. Notice how quickly Jones gains ice to the middle of the zone from outside the face-off dots. He accomplishes this by quickly crossing over only a couple of times. It is also important to point out that he keeps his head up to look for a shooting lane as he is dragging the puck to the middle of the ice. Note that he does not look for the big slap shot either. A hard wrist shot that gets through the shot blocker and hits the net increases the chances of scoring.
Remember to:
1. Quickly gain ice to the middle with 1-2 powerful crossover strides.
2. Keep your head up to look for a shooting lane.
3. Make sure your shot gets through the shot blocker.
As a defensemen you can practice these quick backward starts in various practice drills and, of course, focus on your footwork and puck handling when you do have the opportunity to perform this exact maneuver in defensemen shooting drills.
Defensemen - Drag and Shoot
Click the following to access the link:Seth Jones Goal on Braden Holtby (16:16/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020657-215-h
The following clip is a great example of a defenseman dragging and shooting the puck. Notice how quickly Jones gains ice to the middle of the zone from outside the face-off dots. He accomplishes this by quickly crossing over only a couple of times. It is also important to point out that he keeps his head up to look for a shooting lane as he is dragging the puck to the middle of the ice. Note that he does not look for the big slap shot either. A hard wrist shot that gets through the shot blocker and hits the net increases the chances of scoring.
Remember to:
1. Quickly gain ice to the middle with 1-2 powerful crossover strides.
2. Keep your head up to look for a shooting lane.
3. Make sure your shot gets through the shot blocker.
As a defensemen you can practice these quick backward starts in various practice drills and, of course, focus on your footwork and puck handling when you do have the opportunity to perform this exact maneuver in defensemen shooting drills.
Defensemen - Drag and Shoot
Click the following to access the link:Seth Jones Goal on Braden Holtby (16:16/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020657-215-h
Driving to the Net without the Puck (Part 2) Jan 10, 2015
Eagles Players,
Once again, here is another clip demonstrating unselfish play which creates scoring opportunities.
There is a lot that can be created offensively by having a player drive to the net. Hornqvist clearly shows what can happen when the player in the middle of the ice drives to the net. On this play he ends up driving both defensemen back to the net allowing Kunitz to gain more ice and a better shooting angle. Hornqvist does not earn a point on the play but is one of the main keys that leads to this goal. Take note of what the announcer says about Hornqvist going to the net as well. Remember, it is not always what you do with the puck that matters. What you do without the puck on your stick to help a teammate can be more beneficial to helping your team. This may include talking or communicating to your teammate, getting into a good passing lane or area to offer support, or, as in this case, creating space for a teammate by taking a player or two out of position. Most of the game you do not have the puck on your stick, so be a positive asset to your team and do the little things (like those mentioned above) that will help your team be a success. These little things may not show up on the score sheet but it is the little things that will make you a better player and allow you to play at higher levels of the game.
Mike Babcock (Head Coach Detroit Red Wings) would always remind his teams, “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit”.
As you watch this highlight, think about how you can be a supportive teammate both on and off the ice and how you can help your team during games when you do not have the puck on your stick.
Thank you.
Driving to the net - Kunitz goal
Click the following to access the link: Chris Kunitz Goal on Jimmy Howard (08:29/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020094-283-h
Once again, here is another clip demonstrating unselfish play which creates scoring opportunities.
There is a lot that can be created offensively by having a player drive to the net. Hornqvist clearly shows what can happen when the player in the middle of the ice drives to the net. On this play he ends up driving both defensemen back to the net allowing Kunitz to gain more ice and a better shooting angle. Hornqvist does not earn a point on the play but is one of the main keys that leads to this goal. Take note of what the announcer says about Hornqvist going to the net as well. Remember, it is not always what you do with the puck that matters. What you do without the puck on your stick to help a teammate can be more beneficial to helping your team. This may include talking or communicating to your teammate, getting into a good passing lane or area to offer support, or, as in this case, creating space for a teammate by taking a player or two out of position. Most of the game you do not have the puck on your stick, so be a positive asset to your team and do the little things (like those mentioned above) that will help your team be a success. These little things may not show up on the score sheet but it is the little things that will make you a better player and allow you to play at higher levels of the game.
Mike Babcock (Head Coach Detroit Red Wings) would always remind his teams, “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit”.
As you watch this highlight, think about how you can be a supportive teammate both on and off the ice and how you can help your team during games when you do not have the puck on your stick.
Thank you.
Driving to the net - Kunitz goal
Click the following to access the link: Chris Kunitz Goal on Jimmy Howard (08:29/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020094-283-h
Driving to the net without the puck - 3vs2 - Jan 2, 2015
Eagles players,
In many odd-man 3 vs 2 situations you will find that a middle drive from the player in the middle of the ice facilitates a good scoring chance. First notice that in this clip that Jagr enters wide into the offensive zone with the puck, not through the middle. He, along with the other two New Jersey players, create width among themselves by staying wide and making it more difficult for the defensemen to cover them or take away passes. Next, notice the New Jersey player in the middle of the ice and how he does not hesitate to drive through the middle towards the net. This is done for a couple of reasons. First, he creates a passing lane behind him by driving the defensemen back towards their net. Second, he is going to the net to either be a passing option for the puck carrier or to be in a good position in front of the net for any rebounds. Notice that he is not looking for a direct pass right away after entering the zone. He knows that there is another teammate out wide who will be in a better passing lane once he drives through. As coaches sometimes talk about having an offensive triangle once entering the zone, this can only be accomplished when one player drives to the net. In this case, and in most cases, it makes sense for the middle player to drive to the net, establishing the offensive triangle and generating higher percentage scoring opportunities.
To view the highlight of this explanation, please click on the link below.
Thank you.
3vs2 Middle Drive
Click the following to access the link: Mike Cammalleri Goal on Antti Niemi (08:00/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020067-497-h
Backchecking and committed defense - Ryan Dec 16, 2014
Eagles Players,
In this video post I want to show a determined defensive play by Bobby Ryan of the Ottawa Senators. Coaches are always discussing the importance of defense and how players must be committed to defending their own net. Keep in mind that most of the game is played without the puck on your stick and it is even more important to be committed and work hard, (AND ALSO WORK SMART), especially while playing defense. There has to be a commitment to defending your own goal. In this clip you can see that Ryan could have easily given up on the play, which could have resulted in a goal. Instead, he continues to skate hard back to his own end and recognizes that his defensemen need help. As you can see he makes a desperate yet committed diving play with his stick to save a goal. Although this play does not show up on the scoresheet, it will, of course, affect the outcome of the scoreboard in your team's favor. A play like this will definitely not go unnoticed among his teammates, nor will it go unnoticed to a keen observer who may be scouting or to someone else who may recognize your determination and work ethic which could lead to other opportunities in your life. A defensive play like this can help give your team a boost and could also help lead to a goal for your team.
Remember, do not give up on a play, offensively or defensively, and that selfless defensive plays will go a long way with your team and to those who may be watching. Enjoy the clip.
Ryan - Backchecking
Click the following to access the link:Ryan hustles to make a big defensive play
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=643566&catid=35
In this video post I want to show a determined defensive play by Bobby Ryan of the Ottawa Senators. Coaches are always discussing the importance of defense and how players must be committed to defending their own net. Keep in mind that most of the game is played without the puck on your stick and it is even more important to be committed and work hard, (AND ALSO WORK SMART), especially while playing defense. There has to be a commitment to defending your own goal. In this clip you can see that Ryan could have easily given up on the play, which could have resulted in a goal. Instead, he continues to skate hard back to his own end and recognizes that his defensemen need help. As you can see he makes a desperate yet committed diving play with his stick to save a goal. Although this play does not show up on the scoresheet, it will, of course, affect the outcome of the scoreboard in your team's favor. A play like this will definitely not go unnoticed among his teammates, nor will it go unnoticed to a keen observer who may be scouting or to someone else who may recognize your determination and work ethic which could lead to other opportunities in your life. A defensive play like this can help give your team a boost and could also help lead to a goal for your team.
Remember, do not give up on a play, offensively or defensively, and that selfless defensive plays will go a long way with your team and to those who may be watching. Enjoy the clip.
Ryan - Backchecking
Click the following to access the link:Ryan hustles to make a big defensive play
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=643566&catid=35
Forwards - Stick Down Going to the Net - Beleskey Nov 24, 2014
Defensemen - Tying up Sticks in Front of Your Net
This video highlight shows a great example of going to the net without the puck with your stick on the ice. Matt Beleskey demonstrates how to gain body position while still maintaining the ability to score by having his stick on the ice. Having played with Beleskey, plays such as this were common as he utilized his strength and skill to get into good scoring positions and be a threat to score. Keeping your stick on the ice around the net will increase your chances of scoring and will also give you a better opportunity to get your stick on any rebounds for additional shots.
As you watch this clip, notice how Beleskey fights to get to the front of the net, keeps his stick on the ice and makes the extra effort to get his stick on the puck.
Defensive Side
We can also take a lesson from a defensive perspective. If you notice on the goal scored by Beleskey and the goal scored by Karlsson just a few moments later, the defensive players do not have control of the offensive players' sticks. As a defensive player engaging an offensive player in front of your net, it is imperative to neutralize or tie up their stick, meaning, take their stick away from being a scoring threat. In order to do this effectively, you will have to lift their stick with your stick or get your stick over top of their stick and tie it up so they cannot move it in order to get a deflection, pass or rebound. This is a defensive skill that involves timing and reading the play which may include knowing where the puck is coming from and what kind of body position you have. But don't waste too much energy (or lose focus) doing this if there is not a threat of the puck coming towards the net. Rather, be ready to engage an opposing player when you do anticipate any pucks being passed or shot to the net front area.
Beleskey- Stick down going to the net
Click the following to access the link:Beleskey and Karlsson tally 18 seconds apart
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=643208&catid=35
Shuffle / Forehand to Backhand - Perry & Koivu Nov 15, 2014
Eagles Players,
In the clips selected for this post, many of you will recognize the “Shuffle” skill used by both Koivu and Perry. Many of the Eagles players have mentioned that the “Shuffle” is one of their favorite skills to work on. It can be a fun skill to master especially if you can combine it with your puck handling. As you will see in these highlights, particularly during the slow motion portion of the replay, both players use this skill to make a lateral move very quickly. Although they are not propelling themselves continuously by Shuffling they still use the same edges and wide stance to change direction, just as we have done using the Attack Triangles and plank obstacles. It can allow you to be deceptive and unpredictable as you can quickly move in either direction by relying heavily on the inside edges of your skates. This maneuver can be used in many different situations and not just around the net. When practicing this skill you can also try to handle the puck in different positions around your body. Try to improve how quickly you can change directions and still maintain control of the puck when pulling it across your body. Add this skill to your repertoire and you will become a more dynamic player. Take a look at the examples in these clips to see how this skill is implemented at the NHL level.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
Shuffle / Forehand to Backhand - Perry and Koivu
Click the following to access the video link: Corey Perry Goal on Sergei Bobrovsky (01:28/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020105-56-h
Click the following to access the video link: Mikko Koivu Goal on Antti Niemi (00:00/SO)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020145-789-h
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
In the clips selected for this post, many of you will recognize the “Shuffle” skill used by both Koivu and Perry. Many of the Eagles players have mentioned that the “Shuffle” is one of their favorite skills to work on. It can be a fun skill to master especially if you can combine it with your puck handling. As you will see in these highlights, particularly during the slow motion portion of the replay, both players use this skill to make a lateral move very quickly. Although they are not propelling themselves continuously by Shuffling they still use the same edges and wide stance to change direction, just as we have done using the Attack Triangles and plank obstacles. It can allow you to be deceptive and unpredictable as you can quickly move in either direction by relying heavily on the inside edges of your skates. This maneuver can be used in many different situations and not just around the net. When practicing this skill you can also try to handle the puck in different positions around your body. Try to improve how quickly you can change directions and still maintain control of the puck when pulling it across your body. Add this skill to your repertoire and you will become a more dynamic player. Take a look at the examples in these clips to see how this skill is implemented at the NHL level.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
Shuffle / Forehand to Backhand - Perry and Koivu
Click the following to access the video link: Corey Perry Goal on Sergei Bobrovsky (01:28/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020105-56-h
Click the following to access the video link: Mikko Koivu Goal on Antti Niemi (00:00/SO)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020145-789-h
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
Puck handling - Forehand to Backhand - Lewis Nov 6, 2014
Eagles players,
Since the last video post which showed Kronwall making a strong fake and move with the puck from his forehand to his backhand, Trevor Lewis of the LA Kings also used the same move to score a shorthanded goal in a recent game against the Dallas Stars. As many of you are aware, Trevor, a native of Salt Lake City and friend of Jay Stevens, also came out to skate with the U18 Golden Eagles team this past summer during their summer camp. This highlight comes at an opportune time since it is the same skill as the most recent one posted and, of course, since it highlights Trevor who is from here and many of you may know personally.
The first thing to point out is that both Stoll and Lewis do not quit on the loose puck and they continue to be “hungry” for the puck and work harder than the other players to keep the puck in the zone and gain possession. The highlighted skill comes just before Trevor scores at the top of the crease. As the goalie (Lehtonen) attempts a poke-check, Trevor quickly pulls the puck across his body from his forehand to his backhand effectively eluding the stick of the goalie. As a result he puts the puck in a good position to finally score.
Quickly moving the puck across your body and close to your body is a skill that can be used in all different situations during a game, as demonstrated in these two most recent clips. Continue to focus on this skill as we work on this during our sessions and all of your practices.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
Forehand to Backhand puck handling - Lewis (SHG)
Click the following to access the link: Trevor Lewis Goal on Kari Lehtonen (02:55/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020181-276
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
Since the last video post which showed Kronwall making a strong fake and move with the puck from his forehand to his backhand, Trevor Lewis of the LA Kings also used the same move to score a shorthanded goal in a recent game against the Dallas Stars. As many of you are aware, Trevor, a native of Salt Lake City and friend of Jay Stevens, also came out to skate with the U18 Golden Eagles team this past summer during their summer camp. This highlight comes at an opportune time since it is the same skill as the most recent one posted and, of course, since it highlights Trevor who is from here and many of you may know personally.
The first thing to point out is that both Stoll and Lewis do not quit on the loose puck and they continue to be “hungry” for the puck and work harder than the other players to keep the puck in the zone and gain possession. The highlighted skill comes just before Trevor scores at the top of the crease. As the goalie (Lehtonen) attempts a poke-check, Trevor quickly pulls the puck across his body from his forehand to his backhand effectively eluding the stick of the goalie. As a result he puts the puck in a good position to finally score.
Quickly moving the puck across your body and close to your body is a skill that can be used in all different situations during a game, as demonstrated in these two most recent clips. Continue to focus on this skill as we work on this during our sessions and all of your practices.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
Forehand to Backhand puck handling - Lewis (SHG)
Click the following to access the link: Trevor Lewis Goal on Kari Lehtonen (02:55/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020181-276
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
Power Cut - Forehand to Backhand - Kronwall Nov 1, 2014
Eagles Players,
In this first NHL video post you will recognize a skill that you have worked on during the individual skill sessions. We have performed puck handling work with the obstacles/Danglers and have been getting used to moving the puck from our forehand to backhand as we perform our Power Cut skating motion and Russian Shuffles. As a reminder, the Power Cut move is when we are gliding on one leg using the inside edge of our blades and making a “C” cut in the ice while our stick is on ice as we turn to our left and right. From this move, we have utilized plank-like obstacles and Attack Triangles as resistance to quickly move the puck from our forehand to our backhand just as we approach the obstacle. I DO NOT want this move to be confused with a Toe Drag, which can be a very finesse-like maneuver. The Toe Drag tends to be over used at the younger levels and will not be as effective at the higher levels of hockey. The move seen in this clip and emphasized at our practices is more of a power move past a defending player while continuing to skate forward.
This particular clip of Kronwall, from the Detroit Red Wings, demonstrates the same Power Cut motion moving the puck from his forehand to his backhand. We are very fortunate to actually get this particular move in a highlight and I am also glad that this is a defenseman performing this maneuver. This goes to show you that these skills can be utilized by all players and in different situations all around the rink. The replay does not have a great angle so you may have to watch it a couple of times and possibly pause it at the moment Kronwall makes the move to watch the particulars of what he is doing. This clip is a very good example of just one of the skills we are practicing and demonstrates how the same skills are implemented at the higher levels of hockey.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
Forehand to backhand - Kronwall goal
Click the following to access the link: Niklas Kronwall Goal on Thomas Greiss (15:00/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020094-251-h
In this first NHL video post you will recognize a skill that you have worked on during the individual skill sessions. We have performed puck handling work with the obstacles/Danglers and have been getting used to moving the puck from our forehand to backhand as we perform our Power Cut skating motion and Russian Shuffles. As a reminder, the Power Cut move is when we are gliding on one leg using the inside edge of our blades and making a “C” cut in the ice while our stick is on ice as we turn to our left and right. From this move, we have utilized plank-like obstacles and Attack Triangles as resistance to quickly move the puck from our forehand to our backhand just as we approach the obstacle. I DO NOT want this move to be confused with a Toe Drag, which can be a very finesse-like maneuver. The Toe Drag tends to be over used at the younger levels and will not be as effective at the higher levels of hockey. The move seen in this clip and emphasized at our practices is more of a power move past a defending player while continuing to skate forward.
This particular clip of Kronwall, from the Detroit Red Wings, demonstrates the same Power Cut motion moving the puck from his forehand to his backhand. We are very fortunate to actually get this particular move in a highlight and I am also glad that this is a defenseman performing this maneuver. This goes to show you that these skills can be utilized by all players and in different situations all around the rink. The replay does not have a great angle so you may have to watch it a couple of times and possibly pause it at the moment Kronwall makes the move to watch the particulars of what he is doing. This clip is a very good example of just one of the skills we are practicing and demonstrates how the same skills are implemented at the higher levels of hockey.
--Pro Advantage Hockey
**To be notified of future analyses, you can also follow Pro Advantage Hockey at:
Twitter - @ProAdvantageH
Instagram - Pro_Advantage_Hockey
Forehand to backhand - Kronwall goal
Click the following to access the link: Niklas Kronwall Goal on Thomas Greiss (15:00/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2014020094-251-h