The "diamond penalty kill" is a defensive strategy hockey teams use when they are shorthanded, meaning they have fewer players on the ice due to one or more players serving penalties. The goal of the penalty kill is to prevent the opposing team, which has a power play advantage (usually a 5-on-4 situation), from scoring.

In the diamond penalty kill formation, the four defensive players (three skaters and a goalie) are in a diamond shape within the defensive zone. Here's a breakdown of the formation and its components:

Formation

• Top Player (or Forward): Positioned near the high slot or the top of the faceoff circles. This player is responsible for pressuring the puck carrier at the blue line and preventing passes to the point.
• Two Side Players (or Wingers): Positioned halfway between the top player and the net, roughly along the hash marks. They are responsible for covering the opposing team's players on the boards and in the slot.
• Bottom Player (or Defenseman): Positioned near the crease, in front of the goalie. This player is responsible for clearing the puck, blocking shots, and preventing passes across the crease.

Responsibilities

• Pressuring the Puck: The top player moves aggressively to challenge the puck carrier and disrupt passing lanes, especially to the point men.
• Maintaining Shape: The side players and the bottom player maintain the diamond shape, adjusting their positions based on puck movement to ensure that the formation stays intact.
• Blocking Shots and Passes: Players are expected to use their bodies and sticks to block passing lanes and shots, making it difficult for the power play team to get clean shots on goal.
• Clearing the Puck: Whenever possible, players should clear the puck out of the defensive zone to relieve pressure and kill time off the penalty clock.

Advantages

• Coverage: The diamond formation covers key scoring areas, such as the high slot and the front of the net, effectively reducing the opponent's scoring opportunities.
• Flexibility: The diamond shape allows for quick adjustments and movement to pressure the puck carrier while maintaining defensive integrity.
• Shot Blocking: With players positioned in shooting lanes, the formation encourages shot blocking and makes it harder for the power play team to get shots through to the goalie.

Disadvantages

• Gaps in Coverage: The diamond can leave gaps on the perimeter, particularly along the boards and at the point, which skilled power play teams can exploit.
• Fatigue: Maintaining an aggressive and disciplined diamond formation can be physically demanding, leading to player fatigue over the course of a penalty kill.

Overall, the diamond penalty kill is a strategic approach that requires discipline, communication, and strong defensive skills. When executed effectively, it can be a very successful method for neutralizing an opponent's power play.

As you can see on the chart, the Wedge +1 situates three collapsing players in the slot in a triangle formation. The extra man (F) is free to run around and create havoc along the perimeter. When the puck is moved across ice, the roaming forward can take a spot in the triangle and and the left forward can go create havoc.

For the skaters in the triangle, their role is similar to that of the Box strategy in that they must contain the slot. The one difference between this setup and the Box is that the weakside player has to always be responsible for the backdoor plays. Since this formation is always rotating, every skater needs to be aware of the responsibilities of every position they rotate into. There’s a lot of thinking involved.

Ultimately with any strategy, be it offensive or defensive, it’s not just where you are on the ice, but what route you take to your position and what you do once you are in position. When it all comes together – watch out! Someone might be sprung…right Mr. Bolland?