Basics

So, leading the league, at 10-1, you lose to the second worst team, at 2-8-1. Time for some remedial advice. How did it happen? Not having our top three scorers hurt. Spending nearly an entire period shorthanded hurt. Turnovers hurt. Basically, not playing as well as we normally do hurt. Nonetheless, time to get back to the basics:

(1) Forwards: need to crash the net on the offensive end. We're getting shots, but not rebounds, even when the puck is sitting there. When you have an open shot, take it, and when you see someone taking a shot, crash the slot in front of the net (the slot, not the crease).

(2) Clearing: we have to do a better job clearing our zone. That means make the pass when it's open (don't wait for someone to force you to make the pass), and covering/using the boards effectively. When the puck is coming around the boards, the forward has to be there to pick it up. If someone is barreling down on you and (a) you don't have time for a pass; or (b) there isn't one open, just dump the puck down the boards.

(3) Defensemen (and centers): we need to keep the slot/crease in front of our net clear of opposing players. Most goals scored against us come from too many opposing players left uncovered in the slot and cleaning up second and third rebounds. One thing to keep in mind as a defenseman is that when you see an opposing player wind up for a shot, don't look at the shot, look for other opposing players in and around the slot to cover.

Thus endeth the basics . . .