What is a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
A 1-3-1 power play hockey is a unique formation that uses one player, usually a defenseman, at the top of the offensive zone inside the blue line, with one player in front of the net, usually a forward, and three players stationed in a straight line through the middle of the zone (also typically forwards) along the imaginary line extending between each faceoff dot. A 1-3-1 power play formation is generally considered one of the higher risk / higher reward scenarios. It requires a lot of skill and preparation, whereas other formations are considered quantity over quality.
What are the benefits of using a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
A 1-3-1 power play formation is beneficial because it puts skilled players in optimal spots on the ice to score a goal. Players near each faceoff dot are often lined up on their off-hand sides, which means a left-handed player lines up on the right and a right-handed player lines up on the left. This puts each player in prime position to unleash a one-timer slapshot, which is nearly impossible for a goalie to stop provided the puck is placed in the right spot on net. The two players on each faceoff dot plus the defenseman at the blue line represent three unique threats to score a goal, and the players in the middle are ideally placed to screen the goalie or score a goal off a rebound.
What are the disadvantages of using a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
The downside of using the 1-3-1 power play is that it requires elite skill-sets in the scoring areas to be effective. The best way to beat a penalty kill and its goalie often involve the toughest plays to make from a skill standpoint. Passing a puck from one side of the zone to the next, often along the imaginary line connecting the faceoff dots, with enough force that the penalty killers can’t intercept it is a challenging skill, and it’s even more challenging to receive that type of pass and take a one-time slapshot. It would be easy if there were no penalty killers to play against!
What are the forward responsibilities for a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
The forwards on a 1-3-1 power play typically line up in one of the four low positions: near either faceoff dot, in front of the net, and in the middle of the ice in the slot area. The two forwards on each dot are considered shooters, their job is to pass the puck back and forth with each other or the defenseman and shoot the puck, ideally a one-timer, when they have a clear opportunity to do so. The net front forward is responsible for screening the goalie, scoring off rebounds, and retrieving the puck in the corner after a save or a shot misses the net. The second middle forward is called the bumper. Their responsibility is screening the goalie and providing another option for a pass and shot. Often the bumper is used as a decoy, but since it’s impossible for four penalty killers to completely cover five power play players, the bumper can get lost in coverage and find themselves open for a dangerous scoring chance.
What are the defenseman responsibilities for a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
The defenseman’s responsibility in the 1-3-1 power play is primarily to patrol the point, or the middle of the blue line, and distribute the puck to the two flanking forwards on each side, in addition to shooting through traffic.
Which coaches use a 1-3-1 power play in hockey well?
Coaches who use a 1-3-1 power play devote plenty of time in practice to working on this particular formation. Since the 1-3-1 is a predominantly static formation, it’s important for players to have a good idea of what their teammates are going to do during a game when communication is difficult. Coaches who have forwards with heavy, accurate one-timers will often utilize the 1-3-1 power play.
What skills or strengths does a team or player need to run a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
A team needs forwards with excellent shooting abilities, preferably the ability to take one-time slapshots that give the goalie no chance of stopping the puck. A team needs players who have the courage to stand in front of the net and in the middle of the ice. Finally, a coach needs to trust a defenseman to run the top of the power play and distribute the puck efficiently and know when to pass and when to shoot.
Which teams are the best examples that use a 1-3-1 power play in hockey?
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov are both one-timer threats on the faceoff dots
Buffalo Sabres: if Tage Thompson or Jeff Skinner don’t have room for a one-timer, Rasmus Dahlin can also score from the point
Winnipeg Jets: Kyle Connor and Mark Scheiffele are the one-timer weapons with the smooth Josh Morissey moving the puck from the blue line
