Now, as gratifying as Avery's goal was, his silly attempt to screen Maaaaarrrrtttyyy prior to that has drawn quite the uproar, with the CBC folks (not Don Cherry, of course) going on as to how it had no place in hockey.
Honestly, I had barely noticed it when it happened as I was watching the puck move out on the perimeter. Now, as a Ranger fan, I got a great laugh out of watching the replay - again, and again, and again. Let's be serious though folks, if there was no instigator penalty, Sean would have (rightly) gotten his ass kicked. It is well accepted that Avery has no class on the ice. The ever-respectable Chris Drury came by during play to talk to him and I am sure Renney, Shanny and Jagr (haha) will speak to him about it.
Ron MacLean, in that CBC clip, of course puts it on the refs to level a misconduct on him but officiating is just not the answer. The league has been attempting to over-officiate the games and that has just led to more questionable calls. The four blind mice shouldn't be allowed to dictate the flow and pace of games, that simple.
And you know what? Aside from the Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken stick waving, there is little to fault Avery for. If he wants to ignore the puck and jump around like an idiot in front of the goaltender, so be it. Why is it ok for Ryan Smyth and Tomas Holmstrom to make a career sticking their rear ends in the goaltender's faces, but Avery is vilified for facing his enemy? It should be on the defensemen to move the clown from the crease, not the officials.
Remove the instigator and allow the players to level their brand of frontier justice. For all of the people who say how primitive that is, hockey players earned a reputation for being classy, yet tough players with a ton of character long before Bettman came in to corporatize the sport.
Screening in Hockey: Art or Unsportsmanlike Tactic?
Hockey is a sport known for its intense physicality, fast-paced action, and passionate fan base. One aspect of the game that often sparks debates and discussions is the role of screening in front of the opposing team's goaltender. Is it an artful strategy employed by savvy players, or is it considered an unsportsmanlike tactic that disrupts the integrity of the game? In this article, we will explore the concept of screening in hockey, its history, its impact on the game, and the controversies surrounding it.
FAQ 1: What Is Screening in Hockey?
Screening in hockey refers to the deliberate positioning of an offensive player in front of the opposing team's goaltender during an offensive play. The primary objective is to obstruct the goaltender's view, making it more challenging for them to track and stop incoming shots from the point or the perimeter.
FAQ 2: Is Screening a Legal Play?
Screening is generally considered a legal and essential tactic in hockey. It falls under the category of "net-front presence," where an offensive player occupies space in front of the net to create scoring opportunities. However, there are rules governing how screening can be executed, and these rules are subject to interpretation by game officials.
The Art of Screening
Effective screening is a skill that requires a deep understanding of the game and the ability to read plays as they develop. Here are some aspects that highlight the art of screening:
Timing: A skilled player knows when to establish position in front of the net. Timing is crucial to avoid interference penalties and to be in the right place at the right time for potential rebounds.
Positioning: A successful screen often means being positioned just outside the goaltender's peripheral vision. Players need to create the perfect balance between obstructing the goalie's sightline and avoiding interference penalties.
Staying Grounded: Players must maintain their position without initiating contact with the goaltender. Elevating the game's physicality to the point of interfering with the goalie will result in penalties.
Quick Reactions: Effective screeners need quick reactions to deflect or tip shots on goal, capitalize on rebounds, and clear the crease when necessary.
The Impact of Screening
Screening plays a crucial role in the offensive strategy of any hockey team. Here are some ways in which it affects the game:
Creating Chaos: A well-executed screen can cause chaos in the opposing team's defensive zone, as defenders struggle to clear the crease while also defending against the shooter.
Rebounds: Screens often lead to rebounds, giving the offensive team additional chances to score. Skilled forwards capitalize on these opportunities.
Defensive Adjustments: Teams facing effective screening may have to adjust their defensive tactics, such as assigning a player to clear the crease or playing a more aggressive style.
Goalie Frustration: Screens can frustrate goaltenders by limiting their visibility and forcing them to make quick decisions. This can lead to mistakes and goals for the offensive team.
Controversies Surrounding Screening
While screening is a fundamental part of hockey, it is not without its controversies. Here are some common debates surrounding this tactic:
Interference Calls: Game officials often need to make split-second decisions on whether a player has crossed the line from screening to interference. These calls can be contentious and can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
Goaltender Safety: Some argue that aggressive screening puts goaltenders at risk of injury, as players may inadvertently make contact with the goaltender while establishing their position.
Defensive Frustration: Defensive players and teams may feel frustrated when they are unable to clear the crease due to persistent screening. This frustration can lead to penalties or retaliation.
FAQ 3: What Are Some Common Penalties Related to Screening?
Penalties related to screening typically include interference or goaltender interference. Interference occurs when a player makes contact with an opponent who is not in possession of the puck, while goaltender interference specifically involves contact with the goaltender inside the crease.
Screening is a fundamental and often underappreciated aspect of hockey. When executed correctly, it can lead to goals, disrupt opposing defenses, and create memorable moments in the game. However, screening is not without its controversies, as the line between legal positioning and interference can be thin. Ultimately, the art of screening in hockey requires a delicate balance between creating chaos in front of the net and respecting the rules of the game. It remains an integral part of the sport, contributing to the excitement and unpredictability that fans love about hockey.
No comments:
Post a Comment