The Finnish Controlled Power Play Breakout
Diving deep in Jussi Jokinen's controlled PP Breakout
Nearly a decade ago, hockey writer Mike Colligan wrote one of my favorite pieces ever. Mike looked at Jussi Jokinen’s journey from team to team and noticed that wherever Jussi went, magically, the same power play breakout miraculously followed.
While many of the links and videos have become aged and no longer work, I’ve always wanted to revitalize the piece in some capacity.
Chicago Blackhawks
While some teams have sparingly used this controlled breakout, the Mid-2010s Chicago Blackhawks have been the most pronounced in its use.
Actually, the video I used for the “playing off the heels” newsletter piece was this exact breakout.
Roles on the Power Play Breakout
D1
D1 starts with the puck and skates up the middle. If the PK plays passively and waits in the neutral zone, he’s reading the 2v1 on “x” with F1 & F2. D1 is reading where the first PK “x” commits. If “x” commits outside the D1 plays off his heels with a pass to F1.
D2
D2 is the first pass if a PK forward comes in aggressively. D2 is to catch the pass and come off the wall to gain the middle. Again, the first initial look will be reading the 2v1 of F1 & F2. If no pressure comes, D2 plays a 2v1 on the entry attempt with F3 on the strong side.
F3
F3 is playing a “false gap” with the idea of pinning back the defensive players so they are flat-footed at the blueline and will struggle against the speed that the rest of the breakout is generating. F3 also will often draw the defense further into the middle and open the outside lane. Also, F3 is able to gain speed and roll it into the offensive zone.
F1 & F2
Both F1 & F2 time their routes so they are about even with D1 at the low hashmarks for an easy pass if an aggressive PKer pressures. That is an easy pass similar to the pass to D2.
F1 will be slightly ahead and will fill the middle lane. F2 will be slightly behind F2 and hold the outside lane.
F1 & F2 really have the job of generating a bunch of speed so they have a speed differential on the flat-footed opponents in the neutral zone and guarding against a controlled zone entry.
Creating Mini 2v1s Everywhere
It’s a small area mini-2v1 stacked on another mini-2v1. If done correctly, the PK will be outnumbered and at a negative speed differential.
These small 2v1 advantages add up and ends up in a Power Play rush goal.
Pulling Opponents Out Of Position
F3 plays the false gap anchor. As the puck starts up the ice, F3 moves across the blueline and draws the opposing defender toward the middle. This allows Patrick Kane to find a passing window and get behind the defenders.
What about if the defense covers that outside speed threat? Well, the Power Play breakout can go inside! The attackers are able to attack threelanes (left, middle, and right) with speed and find the open lane.
Poor Execution
The goal is to get the PK to commit to something and then already having the answer for what the best next play is.
Below is an example that is executed poorly. Defenseman #61 needed to read the first PK player better and pass to the outside, or Mitch Marner, who received the pass, could bump the puck back and start over. Having a passing progression in mind going into the situation makes this easier.
Passing Progression & Attacking Lanes with Speed
Knowing the look and progression of the read allows the attackers to process the defense in order to attack with speed through the most advantageous lane.
Watch how Duncan Keith reads the passing progression in action and passes off the PK’s heels:
Another example of this breakout. Watch how the Red Wings are playing a passive 1-3 PK forecheck. With F3 pinning back Detroit, they are caught flat-footed compared to the on-rushing PP breakout of Chicago. Once PK1 is beaten, there is a ton of space up the middle of the ice for the attacker to exploit.
Coaches are finding ways for attackers to create 2v1s and challenge with speed in multiple lanes. And it’s very challenging for the defenders to keep up.
Further Reading