Global tactics library

The 1-1-2 is an evolution of the 2-2 that is better suited to defending modern PP breakouts. F1 forces the puck carrier to one side and may chase (flush) behind the net. F2 stays above the next layer and continues the job of forcing the puck outside the dot lane while F1 recovers through the middle. This versatile formation is equally effective against Four Back and Drop plays, provided that the penalty-killing Ds are mobile enough to deny entries in tandem.

The 1-3 PK forecheck works similarly to a 1-3-1 neutral trap. F1 provides moderate pressure up-ice (no flush) while the three remaining skaters form a wall just outside of the blue line. Compared to the 1-1-2, the 1-3 is safer defensively but less likely to generate shorthanded scoring opportunities. The 1-3 is the most popular PK forecheck in the NHL due to its effectiveness against Double Drop breakouts.

The 2-2 is the simplest and most straightforward arrangement when foreching 4v5. F1 and F2 work together to force the puck wide while the Ds stay in the neutral zone. Few NHL teams use the Box forecheck as it matches up poorly against Single- and Double-Drop breakouts.

The 3-1 is a variant of the 1-3 used by certain NHL teams against the Double Drop PP BO. After forcing the opposing defenseman into making the drop pass, F1 clogs the middle while D2 skates backwards in anticipation of a dump-in.