The 5-Second Rule
Quick strike to exploit the opposition's vulnerability.
This week's video is all about attacking as quickly as possible when the opposition is most vulnerable. There are a few distinct times when this is the case:
- After a turnover (quick transition)
- When forced into a rotation in DZ coverage (puck changes sides)
- Immediately following a DZ faceoff loss (particularly when killing a penalty)
- Under an extended shift length (fatigue).
This video showcases two examples of the 5-Second Rule being implemented on the Power Play from last night's Kraken vs Sabres game. Teams that are able to get the puck to the net as quickly as possible from an Offensive Zone Faceoff win have a higher chance at scoring or creating multiple scoring chances within the same possession. In the first clip, Seattle turns a faceoff loss into a win by negating the clear from the Sabres and keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Burakovsky quickly gets the puck to the net before Buffalo is able to sort out the coverage for a nice deflection by Eberle to tie the game 1-1. In the second clip, Buffalo wins the initial PP FO and Dahlin goes on the attack to take middle ice and shoot the puck from the high slot before Seattle is able to sort out the coverage to retake the lead.
The current, top two offensive teams in the NHL this season both get rewarded for using the 5-Second Rule to produce offense.
