Recognizing Numbers On the Rush

Here are a few default plays depending on our Numbers on the Rush.

One On Many (1 on 2, 1 on 3 etc)  - Gain the Zone and Delay

Often times we headman the puck through the neutral zone and have a player gain the offensive zone with speed but without any support from teammates. In these one on many situations the player needs to quickly determine if they have a realistic scoring opportunity, such as if they have a speed/skill advantage on a weak defenseman, or think that they can use a defenseman as a screen to get a good shot. Unless we see a unique opportunity to score, our best play when we are outnumbered is usually is to gain the zone, then protect the puck by turning back up ice wide, delaying for teammates. The delay requires a lot of effort from the other forwards to get into the zone - Don't leave the delaying forward out there with no options!

Two on Two - Cross (option to drop) and Drive Net

When we recognize a 2 on 2 we want to isolate one of their defenseman and hopefully turn the play into a 2 on 1. After the puck carrier enters the offensive zone, we want him to cross in front of our other player, with the option to either keep the puck or drop it. Whoever ends up without the puck should drive the far post. This simple crossing pattern forces their D to decide if they want to switch coverage or stay with their original man. The forward without the puck (F2) needs to make sure to stay onside. Darryl Belfry goes over this 2 on 2 cross in his Forcing Switches video (4:27 mark)

Three on (3 on 1, 3 on 2) - Triangulation

When we have a 3 on 1 or 3 on 2 we want to take advantage of the situation quickly, before the rest of their team can get back. In general we want the puck carrier to take it slightly wide (preferably not wider than the dots) , we want the 2nd man to drive the far post, and we want the 3rd man to stay slightly high, looking for open space in the slot. It is crucial that the player driving the far post (2nd man)  is available for a back door pass, and does not blow past the net.

Two on One - Both players stay within the dots so that they are scoring threats, the man without the puck drives the far post. Passing on a 2 on 1 can certainly be a good option, but read the play instead of always assuming that you should pass. We can't be afraid to shoot!