Welcome to another edition of Tactics 101. Today we’re going to discuss how a well-organized forecheck can tilt the ice for your team and drive offense. We're only a handful of games into the 2026-27 NHL season, and it's too early to draw conclusions about the quality...
In part 8 of this series, I examined the penalty kill tactics of Kraken coach Dave Hakstol and his staff. In this part, I will continue to focus on Seattle's special teams, with a look at the coaching philosophy and schemes at work when the Kraken are on the power...
Welcome back to our series examining the systems and schemes that the Kraken have employed throughout this inaugural season. In part 7, I wrapped up my look at the team's even-strength scheme by diving into a few of the Kraken's offensive zone plays. In this part 8, I...
In part 6 of this series, I examined how the Kraken use the forecheck to attempt to recover possession in the offensive zone after a dump in entry or a turnover deep in the zone. In this part 7, I look at certain set plays used by the Kraken to create scoring...
In part 5 of this series, I analyzed how the Kraken scheme transitions through the neutral zone and into their offense. As part of that piece, I noted that the Kraken prioritize, and have achieved, a strong volume of offensive zone entries this season. But the scheme,...
In part 4 of this series, I looked at how the Kraken attempt to exit their defensive zone after gaining possession. In this part, I dive into how the team schemes its transitions through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone. Hakstol’s philosophy: avoid...
In part 2 of this series I looked at the Kraken's approach in the neutral zone when the opponent has possession and is attempting entry into the Kraken's defensive zone. In part 3 I looked at how the Kraken defend against opposing possession in Seattle’s end. In this...
In part 2 of this series I looked at the Kraken's approach in the neutral zone when the opponent has possession and is attempting entry into the Kraken's defensive zone. In this part I look at how the Kraken react if the opponent defeats the neutral zone pressure and...
In Part 1 of this series, I noted a few general observations about Kraken coach Dave Hakstol's coaching system, including my suggestion that Hakstol is a "system-intensive" coach. In this Part 2, I start the process of digging into the schemes the Kraken use in...
During a game broadcast, a commentator will often note that a home team has the advantage of the "last change." Hockey rules provide that after a stoppage in play the away team must commit to its substitutions first, which allows the home team's coach to dictate the...
