Learn from the Pros – Week 8
As the final two teams battle for the cup, there are plenty of intense moments and great plays. This week we’ll look at Claude Giroux’s OT winner vs the Blackhawks on 6/2/10.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcNzPr_aMWU
[0:07] – The Blackhawks get caught in a bad line change in overtime. It’s important to note the fact that the teams have a “long change” being in OT (just like in the 2nd period). The Flyers recognize the opportunity, and engage a defenseman into the rush to outnumber the Hawks 4 on 3.
[0:08] – Flyers #48 Daniel Briere enters the attacking zone and delays, allowing his linemates #28 Claude Girous and #45 Arron Asham to crash the net – forcing the Hawks D to back in deep into the zone.
[0:09] – Chicago’s #36 David Bolland leaves the man he was backchecking (Giroux) and heads toward the puck. Briere has his head up and recognizes this leaves point man #25 Matt Carle open for the shot. As this frame plays out, watch how Carle pivots backwards to face the puck carrier and open himself up for a shot.
[0:10] – Both Bolland and Seabrook (Chicago #7) are caught committing to Briere. This leaves both of them in an area where they are unable to cover anyone, and creates a 3 on 1 situation against Duncan Keith (#2). While I have no idea what may (or may not) have been said during this rush, communication plays a key role here – the Hawks needed to defend the middle of the ice and let Briere delay to the outside. The extra time may have allowed a Hawks backchecker to rejoin the play and even the situation.
Keith has no chance to defend against Giroux and Asham attacking the net, with Carle ready to shoot in the high slot. Keith steps up to challenge the shooter.
Instead of firing a big booming slap-shot, Carle moves the puck quickly toward Giroux who is driving the net with his stick on the ice. Giroux opens his stick blade slightly to change the direction of the puck toward the net.
[0:11] – This freeze frame is a very telling example of how the first misplayed rush (between Bolland and Seabrook) left everyone out of position to defend the front of the net. In this instance, even if the tip from Giroux doesn’t go directly in, Asham is in great position to play a rebound. The end result is a 2 on 0 in front of the net.
