Protect the middle

Charlie McAvoy reads the pass

Where to start: Fast-forward until the scoreboard shows OT, tied 2–2, with about 4:40 left. Pause when two Rangers skate toward Boston’s net. Point to the Ranger without the puck. Where would you put your stick to stop the pass? Press play and follow McAvoy’s stick through Marchand’s goal at 4:24.

▶ Open Sportsnet highlights ↗ Source

1. Before the pass: Pause with both Rangers coming in. Point to the attacker without the puck. Where would he like the pass to land? Now find McAvoy, the Bruin between the attackers and his goalie.
2. As the puck moves: Follow the space between the Rangers. Buchnevich lifts a pass across. McAvoy knocks it down before it reaches the second stick.
3. After the touch: Keep watching McAvoy. He sends the puck up ice to Marchand. Breaking up the pass gives him a new job: help a teammate get going.

Bruins’ account of the play

Grayson Dougal closes the road to the net

THF playoff semifinal. This youth 2-on-1 ends with Dougal blocking a shot. Start with the puck, then watch the space in front of the net.

▶ Watch Dougal’s block ↗ Source

1. Before the shot: Pause as the attackers come in. Trace the straight path from puck to goal. Where is the defender compared with that path? Where is the second attacker?
2. At the release: Play until the puck is stopped. Pause again. Point to the spot where the shot met the defender. Compare that spot with the line you traced.
3. After the block: Imagine the puck bouncing toward the boards. Turn your head to find it, then find the other attacker again. If your teammate goes for the loose puck, keep the space in front of your net covered.

NHL Now: Make the attackers choose

The analysts look at defending a 2-on-1. Use their replay as a guessing game. Watch once for the defender’s skates and once for the stick.

▶ Watch NHL Now’s Mike Check ↗ Source

1. Pause on the rush. Name three things out loud: “Puck there. Teammate of the puck carrier there. Our net behind me.” Which attacker could shoot if a pass got through?
2. Follow the skates. As the puck carrier moves wide, imagine skating back on an angle. Keep enough bend in your knees to move sideways, too. If you turn all the way toward the boards, check what disappears from view.
3. Follow the blade. Point to the gap the passer wants to use. Picture sliding your stick across that gap while your feet keep pace. If the puck changes sides, turn your head, move your feet, and find the new lane.