Defending the rush in the 21st century can be summarized succinctly by the following:
Modern-day defending is proactive rather than reactive. That can be proactive angling, joining the rush offense, etc. Today, we are talking about proactive rush defense. Concepts at the top, video at the bottom.
Modern Day Mentality
Classic traditional defending was skating backward, absorbing the play, and then engaging physically to separate the player from the puck once in the defensive zone. Modern defending has evolved as the game has evolved.
Body Contact
Gone are the days of massive hits that are geared at injuring opponents. Now defenders must be more tactful in how they play the game. Today, it’s about separating the puck from the player.
Related: Scouting Emil Andrae
Tactical Application
Players now are finding ways to be more proactive and active all over the ice to solve situations earlier and better. Let’s dive into how they’re doing it.
Proactive Play
With the modern proactive mentality, nipping the play in the bud before it gets going is a massive deal. It means controlling the opponent and their options rather than reacting and playing a step behind.
The first key is taking a route that encourages an opponent into the space you want them to take while closing the gap/space between yourself and the opponent. Angling well is vital so the opponent cannot cut back.
Looking at the worst-case scenario… even if beat, defensemen are already skating forward and don’t require a pivot to race and battle to control the puck line.
If done well, the defender really only leaves the option to dump the puck and give body contact.
Case Study #1: Moritz Seider
I touched on last year’s Calder Trophy winner Mortiz Seider’s defensive rush play at the 2022 Columbus Hockey Coaches Summit.
Case Study #2: Olen Zellweger
You’ve probably heard of Mortiz Seider, but let me introduce you to future NHL defender Olen Zellweger. Zellweger is a player Hockey IQ podcast guest Mitch Brown brought to my attention before being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2nd round. Any redraft would have Zellweger high in the first round.
He turned his talents into winning the 2022 WHL Defenseman of the Year and made the Canada WJC roster as one of their youngest players. He’ll be a long-time NHLer.
Olen Zellweger (#3 in red in below clips) clearly understands modern defending:
Constantly keeping a tight gap (distance between himself and opponent)
Skating forward to angle opponents to shut plays down before they get going
Forcing opponents to throw away the puck.
Plus does a great job of finishing with smart contact.
In these clips, we can see Zellweger recognizing that he can be proactive/assertive to stop the opposition’s attacks before they get going. He angles the play with an active stick-on-puck to create turnovers.
Another key area to point out is how Zellweger positions himself in the offensive zone to set himself up for success. Rather than staying on the blue line, he positions himself further in the zone to short the offensive zone.
This allows him to either jump on offense in an immediately dangerous position or already have a tight gap if he needs to play traditional defense.
Proactive Prevent Defense
Modern defensemen are becoming more and more proactive. Defenders are spending less time skating backward on their heels and more time skating forward on their toes.
What situations can you find to be more proactive?
Further reading
Shorting the zone is a great defensive and offensive defenseman tactic
The key concepts of modern defensemen offensive rush tactics
Puck Acquisition habits are critical to player’s having consistent play
The most important speed in hockey, “processing speed.” And how to develop it.
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