Sunday, March 22, 2009

Team Rules

Ok - I'm tired of losing - this team is playing to win.

If you want to screw around, create another account on the PS3 and use that on another team for "fun" games. This team is here to win and win only.

We may come up with more explicit game plans in the future, but for now, here is the deal - we are trying to work the puck around as much as possible - puck possession all day is the goal - creating one-timers for easy goals is the other main objective. If it's not there initially, cycle it around until either the one-timer opens up or a wide open shot in the slot presents itself. Don't be afraid to use the d-men, don't be afraid to throw in into the corner to another fwd - maybe he has a better passing lane to get the one-timer or whatever off. It's easier to go into the corner then in front than to just throw it in front once you've been in the zone a little while.

Team play is going to be strictly enforced - you stop, and you WILL be cut.

Too many penalties is the easiest way to screw up the team. With the way penalties are being called now, sure some are going to happen, but there's no need to see even 5 or 6 team penalties in a game.

Puck hogging is obviously bad as well. No getting into the zone and looking for the 1st open shot that presents itself just to get a shot on goal - especially far post glitch efforts. Just work it around - we'll get great shots off.

Other than those, the #1 rule for forwards is to backcheck - no cherry picking up ice! Do it more than a few times, and you're gone. The D-men need you back to make safe outlet passes from our defensive zone, too - if you're trying to get long lead passes from them, it's going to end up in a pickoff more times than not. BE BACK THERE TO GIVE THE D-MEN OPTIONS!

For defensemen, the main rule is to not get caught pinching in and have odd-man rushes go the other way. The forwards are created to score - let them score. Your job is keep the other team off the board. We will try to use the D-men as much as we can in the offensive zone, just don't overdo things and get us caught going the other way. It's better to be too far back than too far up.

If eveyone plays as a team, we will be far ahead of the game.

AND FOR EVERYONE, OF COURSE THE WORST RULE TO BREAK IS NEVER CALL FOR A PASS WHEN THE GOALIE HAS THE PUCK!

ALSO, ALWAYS HAVE AT LEAST 3 PLAYERS FOR EAHL TEAM GAMES!

If you and the people you are playing with lose 2 games in a row, just stop for now and regroup/add a player for next game. Don't keep beating your head into the wall and drive the team down. If we see this, you're off the team, no questions asked.

Anything I missed? Post in comments section.