Offensive Box Out
Offensive Box Out
Watch-It Wednesday: Offensive Box Out
The first Watch-It Wednesday clip of the season comes from the Blackhawks vs Penguins game from Tuesday night. While many will remember this play as the one where Connor Bedard gets his first point in the NHL during his first game in the NHL, we will be focusing on the outstanding details, hockey sense, and effort of Ryan Donato.
Donato is the net front forward. As the play unfolds, he sees the high exchange between Bedard and Vlasic works below the goal line to anticipate the high to low play on a potential pass/rim behind the net. When he sees Vlasic has a lane to the net, he FIGHTS for space to establish net front position again and executes a perfect Offensive Box Out against Pettersson of the Penguins. This anticipation and proactive engagement allows Donato to establish himself between the defender and the net which ultimately allows him to collect the rebound and cash in for his first goal of the season.
On the surface, this play looks like an easy rebound goal, but it is much more than that. It is a display of high hockey intelligence and effort. It is a great example of an Offensive Box Out.
