The player who takes on a crucial playmaking role on the power play unit. The quarterback’s role is to facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities while the team is on the power play. the responsibilities of a power play quarterback include:
- Setting up the Play: The quarterback usually starts the power play by retrieving the puck from the defensive zone or receiving it from a teammate. They then carry or pass the puck into the offensive zone to set up the play.
- Quarterbacking the Movement: The quarterback controls the flow of the power play, directing the movement of their teammates. They need to be aware of the positioning of their teammates and the opposing penalty killers to make effective decisions.
- Passing and Playmaking: A power play quarterback is known for their excellent passing skills. They need to make precise passes to create scoring opportunities. This includes setting up one-timers, cross-ice passes, and quick puck movement to exploit gaps in the penalty-killing formation.
- Shot Threat: A power play quarterback is also expected to be a threat with their shot from the point. By taking accurate shots on goal, they can force the opposing penalty killers to play more honestly and create rebound opportunities for their teammates.
- Quarterbacking from the Point: They often play at the point position, which is near the blue line at the top of the offensive zone. This position allows them to have a good view of the entire ice surface and make quick decisions.
- Vision and Creativity: Good vision and creativity are essential qualities for a power play quarterback. They need to read the play, anticipate the movements of both their teammates and the penalty killers, and make smart decisions to exploit the defense’s weaknesses.
- Maintaining Possession: Keeping possession of the puck is crucial on the power play. The quarterback should be skilled at protecting the puck under pressure and making smart decisions to maintain possession.
- Quarterbacking the Umbrella Formation: Many power plays use an “umbrella” formation, where the quarterback is positioned at the top of the offensive zone with players in the slot and along the boards. The quarterback orchestrates plays from this position, distributing the puck to create scoring chances.
Synonyms:
passing