(This is taken directly from Hockey Plays and Strategies by Ryan Walter and Mike Johnston)
The 2-3 System relies on one forward (the center if set, or the First Forward Back If In Transition) to help the defensemen down low while the two other forwards cover the point and high slot. It is important for the wings to realize that their role in this system changes dramatically depending on if the puck is on their side of the ice or not (strong side vs back side)
The picture below is taken directly from the book, and shows proper position when the other team's player O1 has possession of the puck in the corner of our defensive zone.
Ignoring the wings for a second, note how D1 checks/pressures the puck carrier, the C supports him and D2 stays to cover the front of the net. The below picture shows the zones that the defensemen and low forward need to cover in this situation:
Now lets focus on the responsibilities of the two high forwards. As you can see in the picture below, the Strong Side forwards is responsible from the face off dot to the blue line, from the boards to the near post. Note where he is actually positioned, at the top of the circles, with the ability to close out if an opposing defenseman on the point receives a pass.
The more difficult role for the two high forwards is on the Back side. The Back side forward needs to slide over into the middle of the ice, and have his head on swivel to make sure the opponent's defenseman on the backside doesn't sneak into the slot. He also must be ready to skate out to his point if the puck switches to his side (at which point he becomes the new Strong side forward)
Lastly the players need to communicate to make position adjustments on the fly. The two high forwards need to make sure they are shifting properly, and the Center needs to communicate with the Defenseman that he is supporting. The bench can help out here too, calling out if someone is sneaking in back door... Those dirty sluts.
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