How Do Players Receive the Puck Around the Rink?
Where and how players receive the puck on the rink at 5v5
Domenic Galamini Jr of Stathletes put out a fascinating graphic looking at how/where NHL players receive the puck at 5v5.
The Chart
(Attacking direction is toward the top, defending toward the bottom)
Reading the Chart
Advance Recovery = Off a dump in
Unsurprisingly, most dumps are recovered behind the net. This is where the goalie is best able to get out and stop the dump in
Direct Pass = Tape to Tape
This is majority of the ice and in the spaces that allow the biggest amount of freedom of movement to make and receive passes.
Indirect Pass = Tape to Space
These plays are made mostly into the corner. It’s a release for a D to D pass or way to switch play in the offensive zone.
Loose Puck Recovery = 50/50 battles
While another “d'uh” moment, these again make sense. Many battles happen along the boards and pucks squirt free into these spots.
Shot Recovery = Rebounds
This is the space that is best covered by the defense. It’s very difficult to complete passes within this space. So it makes sense that the way you would receive a puck in this space is off a rebound.
Further Reading
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