One Major Reason Washington Beat Boston In Round One of NHL Playoffs 2011-12

The first round playoff between Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins featured a league-record seven straight one-goal games. One reason the Capitals have moved on to the next round is blocking shots. In six games, The Capitals are third in the playoffs in blocked shots with (121), average of (20.2 ) per game.



To win in the NHL in the playoffs, every team needs two or three defense that will block shots.

The Washington Capitals have three of those guys.

Links:

Karl Alzner, D 16 Shots blocks

Roman Hamrlik, D 14 Shots Blocked

John Carlson, D 12 Shots Blocks

Terms:

• Body in Shooting Lanes, stick in passing lanes

Blocking Shots:

• Always Get Your Body in the Shooting Lane

Individual Tactics

• Skating into Shot
• One Knee
• Two Knees
• Sliding

Keys to Blocking Shots

• Courage & Desire to Win
• Keep your body squared to the shooter
• Do not turn away
• Get as Close to the Shooter as Possible