Off the crossbar

Watching the two players make their way down the ice, I have difficulty remembering the last time I saw a two on zero going in on net.  Let’s face it; an opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often at the higher levels of the game.  As the player with the puck moves in he makes a pass to his teammate in an effort to set up a shot.  Instead of shooting the puck immediately his teammate holds on to it a little too long and quickly realizes that he is no longer in good scoring position.  In a panic, he desperately attempts a pass back to his teammate, but it is too late.  He ends up over skating the puck and another scoring chance is missed due to an unselfish play.

While I was playing the game it was always preached to me that an assist is just as good as a goal.  In other words, a point is a point.  I can honestly say that I still believe that statement even to this day.  I will admit that a passing play that connects and ends up in the net can look like a masterpiece unfolding before your eyes.  My concern however, is the number of missed scoring chances that often occur due to a dilemma known as “Over Passing.”  Simply put one too many passes are made while attacking the opposition’s net.  This is especially troubling when a team fails to get a shot off in a favorable situation, such as the play stated above.  This is not only unwise but it is also unacceptable.

Even when I watch players practicing, they continuously over pass the puck and eliminate prime scoring opportunities.  A lot of people may say that it is only practice and that there is no reason to worry.  I strongly disagree.  I am a firm believer that you play the way you practice.  If you don’t bear down and shoot in practice, you’re most likely going to make one too many passes in a game.  It could be the difference between winning and losing.

At Elite Hockey Consultants, we constantly stress to our clients that the best pass in hockey is a rebound.  But to make this pass you must shoot the puck.  Skating off the shot and driving hard to the net makes it difficult for a defenceman to react to the rebound and the goalie has to play catch up to play the second shot.  For these reasons, playing a rebound is considered nothing less than an excellent scoring opportunity. Another scenario may have the goalie make a save for a stoppage in play.  If the puck ends up being covered, at least the face off will be deep in the opposition’s zone.  Last but not least, the puck just may end up in the net.

When did it become a bad thing to shoot the puck?  The average hockey player gets two to four quality shots per game if they are lucky.  Why would they want to minimize their opportunities with over passing?  Players need to understand that it is never a bad play to shoot the puck.  They are not going to score if they don’t shoot.  If it doesn’t go in, at least it was a chance on net.  I understand the concept of team play and yes, we should continuously stress it to our players, but we also must teach our players that there is a time and a place when you can be selfish without hurting your team.  Quality goal scorers recognize these opportunities and quickly execute without hesitation.  Let it be fun.  Let them play.  In reality, it is only a game.