Hinge, Swing, Attack

Objective: The hinge: pressured D drops it behind the play to his partner, who changes the side to the weak-side winger — pressure defused, attack launched. Setup: Two D, a center, and a weak-side winger vs two token checkers in the neutral zone. Execution: D1 takes the puck with a forechecker closing — instead of forcing it, he hinges back and across to D2. D2 walks two steps and hits the weak-side winger where the second checker isn't. Center bursts through the middle for support; winger carries in and shoots. Coaching points: Hinging isn't retreating — it's changing sides through your partner. Sell it, don't panic it. D2: catch moving, look weak-side FIRST — that's where the hinge sends the pressure away from. Winger: stay wide and patient on the far wall until the hinge starts, then time your cut.