In partnership with
Proud Partners
Click the links below to get your discount
MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH
Power plays are beginning to change. With the onset of teams playing an aggressive diamond (i.e., Carolina Hurricanes), the PP has been forced to adjust its tactics to be successful. The following are some points that you can use to build your PP strategy.
1. East-West Seam Passing
The most dangerous NHL power plays create lateral movement through the penalty kill diamond to force goalies to move side-to-side before the shot.
Common looks:
Half-wall to flank one-timers
Royal-road seam passes
Low-to-high-to-seam puck movement
2. Bumper Activation
The bumper player is no longer just a release valve — they are now a primary offensive weapon.
The bumper:
Creates quick-touch plays in the middle
Attacks soft ice between PK layers
Generates rapid catch-and-release shots
Facilitates low-high rotations
3. Constant Interchange and Rotation
Static power plays struggle in today’s NHL. The best units rotate positions continuously to confuse coverage responsibilities.
Examples:
Flank and bumper switching
Defenseman sliding into flank space
Net-front rotating low-to-high
Positionless offensive movement
4. Down-Low and Goal-Line Playmaking
Many teams are attacking from below the goal line more frequently instead of relying solely on perimeter puck movement.
Why it works:
PKs collapse toward the net
Creates 2-on-1s low
Opens bumper and backside seams
Forces goalies into reverse-VH decisions
5. Shot Threat Diversity and Layered Options
Elite power plays no longer rely on one predictable shooter. They create multiple simultaneous threats.
Current NHL trends emphasize the following:
One-timers from both flanks
Point shot deception
Net-front tips/screens
Quick-release catch-and-shoot plays
Attack layers off broken structure
Fast browsing. Faster thinking.
Your browser gets you to a page. Norton Neo gets you to the answer. The first safe AI-native browser built by Norton moves with you from idea to action without slowing you down. Magic Box understands your intent before you finish typing. AI that works inside your flow, not beside it. No prompting. No copy-pasting. No switching apps.
Built-in AI, instantly and for free. Privacy handled by Norton. Built-in VPN and ad blocking protect you by default. No configuration. No extra apps. Nothing to think about.
Fast. Safe. Intelligent. That's Neo.
Drill #1
PP Cyclone
45 second shift.
5 PP players set up and play 5v4.
Only three killers in the zone.
Killers attack all over ice in 15-second shifts. C whistles to signal PK change.
Killers play a chaos/pressure tactic vs. PP. Constant pressure.
Three PK shifts in total.
PP must use 5v4 concepts to attack. Promote cycle and switches.
Attack whenever opportunities present themselves. Including on PK change.
Drill #2
PP Small Area - 4v2
The C will spot the puck into one side of the ice.
When X5 & X6 gain control they pass to their team on the other side. It's the same for O penalty killers on the other side.
Teach motion, switches and net front.
The play goes for 30 seconds & on the whistle.
Rotation: Two new Xs take spots of X5 & X6 who go to the far side with two players going back in line.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you."
