Veteran NHL players have fine-tuned the art of the chip-and-chase when it comes to entering the offensive zone. It’s become an effective weapon, one many coaches have introduced into their respective systems, including Bruce Cassidy.
Let’s make this clear: The chip-and-chase (CAC) is much different than the hard rim, which was once the go-to dump-in play when there were no other options, but now it’s rarely used in this league by forwards. The chip-and-chase play begins when a player has control of the puck, but has no other options, so he puts the puck into open space behind the opposing player. If it works, the chipping forward regains possession deep in the offensive zone and has an opportunity to create a quality scoring chance.
Cassidy has adapted his coaching style to implement the CAC more in order to improve the team’s turnover ratio.
“I don’t know if any of them are comfortable,” Cassidy said with a laugh. “They would rather skate with (the puck) and I don’t blame them, but that’s the way the game is. Good gaps require playing behind (opposing defensemen). ... It’s a learning curve and we’re getting it.”
During Boston’s 5-1 win against the Ottawa Senators Wednesday night at TD Garden, Bruins forwards attempted the chip-and-chase 29 times from either the neutral zone or the just inside the attacking blue line.
They were successful nine times at retrieving the puck and turned the puck over 20 times.
“It’s progressively getting better. It’s just a matter of figuring out when you can make plays in front of the D and when you can make plays behind them,” Cassidy said prior to the game. “Obviously, the (Patrice) Bergeron line has figured it out, they’ve been in the league a long time and that’s why they’re good. The younger kids are still sorting through it and we’re getting there.”
Here’s a breakdown of the success rate for the forwards in the chip-and-chase against the Senators:
Here’s one example when holding onto the puck and making a play worked and resulted in a Bruins goal.
On Heinen’s goal, Spooner gained control of the puck in the neutral zone with four defenders between him and the Ottawa net. Inside of chipping it, he decided to use his speed and go wide along the right boards. He beat the defender, reached the goal line, pulled another towards him before feeding a backhand pass through the crease to Heinen, who finished with the goal.
This is why you go hard to the net. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/9TTOkImyEv
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 28, 2017