The Bumper (Pinball Wizard)
Become a Pinball Wizard and Use the Bumper
This week's video is all about using the "Bumper" to generate offense on the Power Play. The player in the middle of the 1-3-1 Power Play setup is often referred to as "the bumper". This player fills the hole in the middle of the ice between the opposing penalty kill players to be used in a variety of ways. This player can assume the role of puck supporter, deflector, shooter, the high screen, decoy, and puck recovery option. Teams that effectively involve the bumper can open up a lot more scoring options to produce on the power play.
This video example shows the Arizona Coyotes effectively using the Bumper on two different power play goals last night vs the Seattle Kraken. These plays are almost identical and show how difficult it is to defend as a penalty kill unit and goaltender. Nick Schmaltz works to support the puck and be an option for Clayton Keller to use him as a release and setup up the quick return pass for a one-timer. This quick support forces a reaction from the PK players, including the goalie who shuffles in anticipation that Schmaltz could shoot the puck, that leaves Keller and the net open for two power play goals in last night's Coyotes victory.
Schmaltz and Keller combine for Pinball Wizardry!
