As the best face-off team in the NHL for the last decade, we can learn a lot from the Boston Bruins.
In the first of a three-part series looking at the Bruins’ set face-off plays in all zones, let’s take a look at their work in the defensive zone.
One thing I’ve noticed, is the confidence of the five players on the ice. Maybe that’s because they’ve got Patrice Bergeron so they win the draw more than anyone, but most of the time, they use a 4-1 setup, with just one defenceman lined up behind the centre. Here’s a look at eight different face-off setups they used in the defensive zone last season.
1. The 4-1 weak side bomb
It starts with a straight win behind the centre. The winger on the wall and the outside winger then bolt for the neutral zone.
Most of the time, we will see the D trying to bank the puck off the wall behind the forwards. This has to be done quickly because a turnover from here could be brutal.
One thing I’ve noticed about Boston, is they don’t always put the forward on the wall, sometimes it’s the other D who’s there, ready for a reverse play if the bomb is not there or the draw isn’t won cleanly.
2. Against the shooter
This is a defensive setup more than an offensive one, but still. The first thing I noticed is no one is on the wall for both teams. Again, it’s a 4-1 setup.
By winning the face-off, the Bruins are in a great spot. They can chip the puck on the strong or weak side or even use D2 for a D-to-D. Overloading one side with the inside winger popping out quick is a great idea.
3. D carry
What if you ask your D to carry the puck right from the face-off?
This can result in a lot of confusion for the opponent but a lot of options for your team. This set face-off won’t be available if D2 is not blocking his player. Also, the forwards have to take off quickly to open the ice for the D, who is carrying the puck.
4. D to D
It’s half way through the third period, the opponent has seen all your set face-offs so far, what are you going to do? Same as usual, but ask your D2 to be an option for a D to D.
Not only are your forwards probably in the neutral zone by now, you will have more time and space after the D to D pass because everyone is outside the zone. And if not, you’ll have the other half of the ice to skate and think about your next play.
5. D to the weak side forward
The pass to the weak side forward is my favourite set face-off. You have your defenceman on the wall and your inside forward taking off right after the puck is dropped. Your weak side forward backs up to receive a quick pass from D1.
The opponent has to make a decision, and it’s a tough one. Jump on D1, cover the weak side forward or follow the inside forward who just takes off (if he is not blocking you).
6. D wheel
You want to buy time and space while your forward is building some speed? Win the draw back and ask you defenceman to use the back of the net. In the meantime, both forwards will have a ton of speed in the neutral zone, and you’ll have plenty of time to skate with the puck, make a stretch pass or even use the hybrid icing to your advantage.
7. Reverse with the D
I was impressed with this face-off and how much time and space you can buy, by a simple reverse off the face-off. Because the Bruins are sending two forwards outside the zone, the opponent has to pressure with one or two players on the defenceman. From there, a quick reverse and D2 has at least half the ice for himself.
8. Strong or weak side
The most common face-off. We had plenty of odd-man rushes this year because of this set face-off. Again, starts with the 4-1 setup. D can make three plays here:
- Chip off the glass or rim on the strong side
- Flip through the middle for a foot race
- Hard rim on the weak side
This will allow your forwards to fly the zone, and if the opposing D is flat footed, you might have a breakaway from the red line.
