Let's take a deeper look at this OT winner by CHI7 as there are some interesting teaching points.



http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/?id=2014030164-1236-h



I mentioned the simple interchange, it's starting to become a lethal entry tactic theme in this year's playoffs. What it does is cause the D to make a split second assignment decision and communicate with each other, how they are going to collaborate to defend the rush. The split second nature of the decision and subsequent minuscule communication window leads to open players. In this play, CHI88 pulls his check inside, thus occupying both D while CHI29 swings into CHI88's spot creating time and space on his net drive.



The initial chance just misses, but more importantly, the puck recovery by CHI29 is uncontested. CHI29 turns NAS14's skates and pulls him to the corner while CHI88 is able to go with the puck behind the net again uncontested. NAS3, who is in reaction, follows CHI88 behind the net which is the key to the play because now CHI88 can move freely up the boards.



Meanwhile, at the net front CHI29 gets seal position on NAS14 - sealing one side of the net - where NAS14 should be fronting CHI29. This is important on the point shot, as it becomes a screen with a strong shot lane to NASG's right - as CHI29 turns on the shot sealing his check from a shot block - also if the save was made CHI29 has exclusive shot recovery access.



Very cool - don't forget to notice that sick crossover change of speed burst by CHI88 on the initial interchange. Wow!

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