Forechecking with a Purpose

There are a lot of things to love about Crosby's opening goal in the semifinal of the World Cup. Let's focus on his forecheck.

Crosby times his speed perfectly and takes an angle on the play that allows him to get stick on puck. The Russian D-man feels the pressure and the pass is deflected to a dangerous area (as opposed to behind the net or off the high glass). Pay attention to how Crosby did not over commit to making a big hit on the initial defenseman. By focusing on getting stick on puck and timing his speed, Crosby was able to quickly adjust to the deflection and disrupt the breakout. This led to a turnover in a dangerous area and Crosby's offensive skill took over. He converted a smart and calculated forecheck into a huge opening goal of an elimination game. Small details done right.

- Coach Spence