This is a continuation of our previous post “Stop The Slide.”
Unfortunately, we still haven’t gotten our point across. Another night in the NHL, another night of defenders getting torched by sliding on their stomachs.
I’m not sure why this tactic is widely assumed as the norm, but this needs to be phased out.
Sliding takes away all control from the defender and is basically admitting that a limp body is better than an NHL player’s defensive talent. Once down, defenders cannot adjust. It’s just a big splashy desperation move. And it assumes that the passer, also an NHL player, is not talented enough to complete a pass.
Here are two examples, one good, one bad, from the Canucks/Blackhawks game from Feb 13.
Playing Defense Well
Here is a great example of a different strategy for playing defense well. Great communication. You can tell Noah Juulsen (#47 white) is talking and pointing to sort out the situation with his teammates. He closes on the forward and forces him into a low-percentage shot with simple angling.
Playing Defense Poorly
And here is a great example of a different strategy playing defense poorly just one minute later:
I get a good chuckle out of the on-ice pump to try and extend his sliding body a little bit longer!
Hockey players can do better than sliding on their stomachs to play defense. If you see a play on Twitter/X, tag me or tell your friends. This is a crisis that needs to be brought to folks’ attention so it can be eradicated.
Further Reading