The Autobahn
No speed limit on the backcheck!
This week's video highlights the effort by Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning in last night's OT comeback win over the LA Kings 3-2. The Lightning were down 0-2 deep into the third period and fought back to find a way to tie and win the game in overtime. A big reason for that victory is the work of Hagel on the tying goal that he scored and the game-winning overtime goal that he sets up.
Unlike some players (you all will be able to think of examples), Hagel does not have a speed limit on either side of the puck. He skates at the same all-out pace and gives maximum effort regardless of which way the play is going or which team has the puck.
In this example, he begins the clip as the net front forward as F1 on the controlled forecheck. The breakout pass stretches the play immediately into the neutral zone and Hagel finds himself one full zone behind the play. He immediately works to beat his check (the other team's Dman) up the ice and hunts down the puck during the track...aka pursuit...aka backcheck. He comes all the way back to break up the play and force a turnover at his defensive blue line then immediately begins the attack the other way. On the attack he skates with maximum effort to push the pace. When his space is eliminated, he does a great job at buying time for the help to arrive and puck protects until the window to his teammate, Nick Perbix, opens up. He moves the puck and Perbix finishes the play.
OUTSTANDING EFFORT. He competes and skates just as hard toward his own crease as he does toward the opponent's. The result is a game-winning overtime goal.
Join Hagel on the Autobahn where there is no speed limit on the backcheck!
