Tight Gap and Squeeze With Stick to Force Dump by Flyers Defense

By: Ice Hockey Systems

Not only is a tight gap important in the neutral zone but the way the defense uses their sticks can really impact the attacking forwards. In this clip the Flyers' defenders do a good job with a tight gap and stick positions.

What to Watch

• On a change of possession in the offensive zone both PHI D take a step forward and inside the dots to set their gap
• By doing so they take control of the middle of the ice and allow time for the trackers to apply back pressure
• Both D have great threatening sticks in front & take stand at the defensive blue line
• Force a dump in recovery and zone exit