If there is a better goal scored off majestic passing in the history of the PWHL, I need to see it! This goal by Montreal from back in the first season of the league is absolute perfection – fantastic puck and player movement leads to a beautiful finish by Ambrose in front. I’ve watched it 30+ times and it still makes my jaw drop.

In this week’s 4 minute hockey IQ video, I break down this beautiful goal by looking at:

• Montreal’s sensational skills – Montreal makes 5 tape to tape passes in 6 seconds!!! That can only be achieved with no dust passing and precise player movement & support.
• Montreal’s successful structure – They make & remake triangles/Ls continuously throughout this clip which makes it incredibly hard to track both puck and player movement.
• Boston’s shaky structure – Boston is on the wrong end of this beautiful play and their breakdown in structure definitely contributes to the opportunity Montreal is able to create.

Remember – there are always two lessons in every clip! It’s important to note that every great video clip has two sides and we can learn from both. We can highlight what the successful players/team did well while simultaneously acknowledging where the opponent went wrong.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Underhandling opens up opportunities: Because all the Montreal players avoid stickhandling before passing, they are able keep the pucks on their forehand and stay dangerous as passing lanes & opportunities open up. Work on catching the puck clean on your forehand and avoiding unnecessary stickhandles to be a more dangerous passer.
2. Make more triangles: Every puck carrier in the offensive zone should have at least 2 great passing options (if not more). Creating both a north-south option and an east-west option for the puck carrier gives them great outlets to share the puck and keeps the opponents guessing about where the puck might move next.
3. Have a one more pass mentality: Rewatch the clip and think about how different the play might have looked if Montreal didn’t choose to move the puck as often as they did. If they held onto each pass a little longer, they would have given Boston more time to adjust. By having great puck support and many dangerous passing options throughout, Montreal made it nearly impossible for Boston to protect the house. Think about how you can share the puck more with your teammates to keep your opponents guessing!

Work Hard. Dream BIG.

Pass More. Be Orange.

~ Coach Kim