Drop-Pass Details
Don't Drop It Like It's Hot
This week's video is all about the subtle but impactful details when executing a drop pass, specifically on the rush when entering the offensive zone. This clip is from last night's Penguins vs Blue Jackets game. The Penguins rallied from an 0-4 deficit in the second period to ultimately get the win in OT from Crosby on the powerplay. We are going to look at the game-tying goal from Danton Heinen, which begins with a textbook cross and drop from Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell.
Crosby enters the offensive zone with speed in a 2v2 situation. However, he post-checks with possession of the puck and looks over his shoulder to see if he's got help with the second wave of the rush. He sees the next layer of support is Rickard Rakell, so he cuts to the middle to turn a 2v2 into a 3v2 situation while creating confusion for the Columbus defenseman. The critical detail that allows the Pens to maximize their offensive opportunity is how Crosby makes the drop pass. When he sees that Rakell is the support, he knows that his linemate is a right-handed shot. Crosby's responsibility is to make sure that Rakell can get his first touch of the puck on his forehand. Sometimes this requires a "dead drop" where the puck stops and sometimes it requires a "space drop" where the puck is placed to a space which allows the player receiving the drop to collect the puck on the forehand.
This first touch detail allows Rakell to be an instant offensive threat with the puck in a ready position where he can shoot or pass the puck immediately or drive wide with speed without having to stickhandle. This space drop pass placement also puts the puck outside the Columbus defenseman's "stick-on-puck" reach and gives Rakell the time and space he needs to create and ultimately make a great pass to Heinen for the tap-in.
Without this drop-pass detail, the Penguins may or may not have completed the much-needed comeback to secure the critical 2 points in the eastern conference wild card race.
DON'T DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT!
