What is the The Umbrella power play in hockey?
The Umbrella power play in hockey is generally a starting point for other power play formations, and starts with three players high in the offensive zone in an umbrella shape with two players in the middle of the ice near the net.
What are the benefits of using the umbrella power play in hockey?
The Umbrella power play is beneficial because it gives players on the power play a lot of time and space to make plays with the puck. This formation is especially effective when the high players on either end of the blue line are on their strong-side hand, which allows them to easily receive passes from the middle player on their forehand in motion. This means a right-handed player plays on the right side of the blue line and a left-handed player plays on the left side. power play players who combine more than one above average or elite skill are more difficult for penalty killers to defend, so the Umbrella power play is especially effective when these players are available to take the puck from high in the zone to low in the zone.
What are the disadvantages of using the umbrella power play in hockey?
The disadvantages of the Umbrella being used as a permanent formation is that it’s predictable and far away from the net. Penalty killers, including the goalie, are most comfortable when the puck is as far away from the net as possible. The Umbrella starts with the puck at the blue line, or at the top, and then moves to either side. Shots through traffic and screens in front of the net are dangerous, but if the penalty killers can move the two low power play players out of the way and the goalie can see the shot, then the Umbrella loses effectiveness.
What are the forward responsibilities for the umbrella power play in hockey?
The Umbrella power play typically utilizes four forwards and one defenseman. Two forwards are responsible for playing on either end of the blue line, ideally on their strong hand side because it’s easier to receive passes on the forehand moreso than the backhand, while the other two play in the middle of the ice, in front of the net and between the faceoff circles. The high forwards are responsible for making and taking passes while skating “downhill” towards the net and shooting the puck, while the low forwards are responsible for creating screens, occupying the penalty killers in order to make room for the high forwards, and retrieving the puck in the corner after shots and scoring attempts.
What are the defenseman responsibilities for the umbrella power play in hockey?
The lone defenseman on an Umbrella power play is responsible for distributing the puck to the two high forwards as well as getting shots through traffic. Important qualities for this defenseman are patience, composure, and excellent passing and shooting skills.
Which coaches use the umbrella power play in hockey well?
Coaches who use the Umbrella power play effectively will have players available that possess the necessary skills to run this particular formation.
What skills or strengths does a team or player need to run the umbrella power play in hockey?
To run an effective Umbrella power play, a team needs at least one player, typically a defenseman, to play in the middle of the blue, who passes and shoots the puck well, and possess composure and creativity. The team also needs two players, typically forwards, to play at either end of the blue line, who possess speed with and without the puck, creativity, and an accurate shot. The last ingredient is two players, usually forwards as well, to play lower in the zone in front of the net to tip pucks screen the goalie along the ‘handle’ of the umbrella.
Which teams are the best examples that use the umbrella power play in hockey?
Edmonton Oilers: watch for Connor McDavid skating downhill and setting up 50 goal man Leon Draisaitl on the other side
Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner or Auston Matthews like to skate downhill
Dallas Stars: Miro Heiskanen patrols the blue line looking for Jason Robertson skating downhill and Joe Pavelski tipping shots in front of the net
