Flyers: Why Right Handed Defensemen Matter

While playing on the weakside there are only two real options the defensemen can use to keep pucks cleared along the boards in the offensive zone. The first is to keep your stick in the strong position and then rotate the body 180 degrees so the stick is against the near boards.  Doing this creates many difficulties.

First, the puck would be stopped and controlled on the defensemen’s backhand. The backhand is typically a weaker, less accurate, shot, or pass as compared to the forehand.  Second, to control the puck, the defensemen’s back is now turned to the offensive zone, where his teammates are waiting for the puck.  It is hard to see something behind you, and just as hard to pass a puck to players you can’t see. Last and most importantly, the defensemen’s back is turned to oncoming opponents. This is essentially waving a red flag in front of a bull, it is an invitation to be checked.  With the defensemen’s back turned to the opposition it is hard to know when, where, and how the hit will be administered.  All of these problems are caused by the rotation of the body into a vulnerable position as required to get the stick along the boards to stop the puck.

There is a different way to approach the same problem.  As a right-handed shot, the top hand on the stick is the left hand.  While playing the left point as a right-handed shot, it is possible to change from a strong stick position, reach out to the left boards with your left hand, only your left hand, on the stick to control the puck.  Once controlled, the puck is then brought to the forehand and the stick is returned to the strong position with both hands on it.  This way the defenseman is still looking into the offensive zone.  Once the puck is controlled, the full repertoire of passing or shooting options are available.  It is a good option when it works but it is rife with pitfalls.