Boston Bruins: Scoring Off The Rush
In the modern NHL, offensive zone entry is becoming more arduous. Defensemen are pinching walls, which makes it difficult for an offensive onslaught to pass pucks from a forward along the boards to a forward in the middle of the ice. As veteran defensemen acclimate to the new NHL, coaches are as well. They are thinking of new ways to deny access into their own zone. They are studying the game more closely in regards to quick zone entry and scoring. In turn, the ability to score off the rush helps solve both.
For the Boston Bruins, points were tough to come by last season. The team’s points percentage was.585% (lowest since winning the Stanley Cup). Boston finished 17th in the league with 96 points, with a goals for of 209. Without counting the lockout season of 2012-13, it was the Bruins’ lowest GF total since the 2009-10 season (196).
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The NHL, more than ever, is about generating odd-man rushes. Attack the offensive zone with numbers. Engage defensemen to create numerical advantages. Have defensemen that can contribute to the attack. Establish a four/five-man rush. Create havoc off the rush. And, ultimately, score off the rush.
In order to combat the difficulties of time and space against opposing defenses in today’s NHL, goal scoring can become much more troublesome. That’s why coaches and players alike are fixated on quick transitions and quick goal scoring. Eliminate the possibility for defenses to settle down, ground themselves. Make defensemen play on their heels with speed and transition from defense to offense. This is why quick transition attacks are so pivotal in the game today.
It begins with the D-man. Their job is to dish the puck out as crisply and quickly as possible to the forward who helps support their efforts. Teams like the Tampa Bay Lighting transition quickly. Because of this, they are dangerous. Add in Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson and you see why this team made it to the Stanley Cup final. They make you pay with their transition. Their quickness inhibits defenses from establishing their ideal positions. Once on the rush, Johnson storms the net and hacks at pucks. In mayhem, when pucks dribble loose, his line mates of Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov are there to bury pucks in the net. Even when off the rush plays don’t develop as planned, a team like Tampa makes it work with their offensive-mindset. Johnson’s defensemen give him time to reposition when needed and can pass the puck smoothly while he establishes net-front presence. With time and space, Johnson gets a solid crack at the net.
Here’s a textbook version of what Tampa does off the rush, where defensemen Victor Hedman joins, too, and overwhelms the Red Wings from back in the playoffs:
The Bruins most interpolate off the rush scoring more. Brett Connolly can help the Bruins in this area if he finally has a productive NHL season. For Connolly, a fresh season and new location may help his game elevate to the level he knows he is capable of. But the Bruins ultimately need to work on their rush game. The Bruins also need more shot opportunities, as evident from last seasons numbers.
That can all start by implementing more cutbacks, which can also aid in rush sequences. This tactic creates more shooting chances. It opens up defenses, allowing more open ice room for forwards while opposing defensemen are being pulled by the trailing forward. Cutbacks enable greater puck possession. The circling forward can seamlessly flow into the rush while the puck carrier helps create time and space. The puck carrier then, ideally, delivers the puck to the open man who than can take the open shot.
Even a high forward can come into play during a forecheck off the rush. Typically, the high forward is there to prevent odd-man rushes in the event the forecheck is a bust. But high forwards can be utilized to the advantage of the forechecking team. Along with defensemen, high forwards can open lanes for surrounding forwards to work in. A high forward can disturb the defensive team’s scheme and can lead to scoring chances.
Attacking off the rush is key for every team in the NHL.
The Bruins need to become more suited to do so. It will take practice and in-game situations to help solidify this team’s rushing abilities. Ultimately, this will only help generate more offense for a team that needs it.
Next: NHL Defensive Landscape Changing