When it comes to a effective forecheck, pressure is the key, but details make the difference.

The NHL is a copycat league with regard to systems, style of play, etc. But for the four teams that are left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they all have different characteristics which make them successful within their own system.

The Vegas Golden Knights are a team that never gives up and always works hard. Let’s look at seven details of their forecheck and why their opponents struggle against it.

1. Three forwards in the corner

If you think you are going to cleanly win a 1v1 battle in the corner, good luck. Vegas always has an F2 close to retrieve the puck or to support the play. But in the case of the opponent jamming the puck in the corner, in the video below, we will see that the Golden Knights will send a third forward to help and win the battle.

The defensive team then has to make a decision either keep one player down in the corner or send a third player to make it a 3v3.

2. F1 physical

The Golden Knights had a lot of success against Colorado and are having early success against the Montreal Canadiens because of this detail.

It is obvious to see that their game plan consists of F1 always playing the body on the forecheck — trying to separate the player from the puck so F2 can come and retrieve it. As a defenceman, having your face in the glass all the time is not fun and knowing that every time you go back for a puck, a Golden Knights player is going to finish their check… say hello to turnovers and giveaways.

3. F2 close support

Let’s now take a look at their F2. He is always reading the play and trying to take away the options of the opponent as they look to break out. If he is not coming hard to retrieve the puck right after the hit, he will read and anticipate where the play/puck could go.

We can see F2 taking his time and retrieving the puck, creating a scoring chance, or keeping possession of the puck and waiting for support in the offensive zone.

4. Stick and pressure

Details and details. The main reason Vegas is having success is because of their details. The way they apply pressure and where they put their sticks is very calculated. By dictating what ice is available, they force the opponent to make a play under pressure. From there, they can steal the puck when they attack blade to blade.

5. Seal wall

Under pressure, you try to rim the puck to avoid a turnover down low. Vegas applies a lot of pressure below the goal line, so they are forcing the opponent to rim the puck. They do it on purpose because their F3 or D will come and seal the wall, keeping the puck in the zone and establishing more zone time.

6. Smart rim

The Golden Knights are extremely good at using the width of the ice and creating offence from it and this is exactly what they do. F1 is carrying the puck and rims it hard around the boards/glass, so the goalie can’t stop it. F2 or F3 will attack the defenceman on the opposite side. They have an advantage because both players (forward and defence) are skating the same way. The forward already knows the play, while the defenceman has their back turned to the forward and is under pressure.

7. Track back

This is what we call habits. You are on the forecheck, and for whatever reason, you can’t retrieve the puck down low. The play is not over. Look in the video below at how the forwards are reloading and keeping the puck in the offensive zone. They never give up on puck.