Lots of players, lots of options. Which will you choose?
You are down a goal with less than two minutes to play. The opponent just took a tripping penalty, what you are going to do?
You take a timeout, then what? Are you going to play 5-on-4, or do you pull your goalie and go all-in with a 6-on-4?
Let’s take a look at four ways to play a 6-on-4 situation, with examples from the NHL and NCAA games.
1. Five players low
How hard is it to defend a 6-on-4? Now think about having five players below the top of the circle.
Having five players low gives you many options, and likely results in always having the point man open. Puck movement is essential, as you must be patient and wait for a passing lane. Make sure you notice the forwards creating a fantastic net-front presence.
2. Change the point of attack
Having four or five players below the dots is already hard to defend. If you want to hit a home run every time, change the point of attack by using the back of the net. Most of the time, the four defensive players will be caught puck watching. That means more players will be open to receive a pass and generate offence from it.
3. Off the face-off
If you take your timeout to talk about the 6-on-4 set up, do you talk about the in-zone offence only, or do you start from the face-off? Anytime you have a face-off, you should have a plan and try to attack right from the drop of the puck.
In the video below, we will see two options to attack off the face-off. Even if you don’t score right away, you will be able to establish what you are looking for and set up a scoring opportunity for later on.
4. The umbrella
What if the QB can dish to both sides for a one-timer? What if we add three players around the goaltender? Here, we have the umbrella.
The QB can move the puck to the left or right side for a one-timer, and they can even shoot from the blueline. At the same time, you have at least two players in front of the goalie. You can ask your third forward to be the bumper, another net-front presence or maybe an option on the goal line.
