Gap Control

Gap Control is the technique used by a defenseman to maintain a proper distance, or "gap", between themselves and the opposing forward they are defending. This technique is used to slow down the opposing team's rush and to make it harder for the opposing team to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.

The idea behind gap control is for the defenseman to maintain a tight gap, usually 2-3 stick lengths, between themselves and the opposing forward they are defending. This allows the defenseman to keep the opposing forward in front of them and to make it harder for the opposing forward to make a play on the puck or to get behind the defenseman.

When using gap control, the defenseman will often use an "angle" approach, where they will try to steer the opposing forward to the outside of the rink, while keeping the opposing forward in front of them. By using this approach, the defenseman can make it harder for the opposing forward to make a play on the puck and limit their scoring opportunities.

It's important to note that gap control is a technique that requires good skating, positioning, and body control. A good defenseman should be able to maintain a good gap and to steer the opposing forward to the outside while keeping them in front of them. Additionally, gap control is not only the responsibility of the defenseman but also the responsibility of the forwards and the team's defensive system.

Rush protection

Rush protection prevents the opposing team from entering their zone with speed and control of the puck. The idea behind rush protection is to slow down the opposing team's rush and to make it harder for the opposing team to generate scoring opportunities.

There are a few different strategies that teams can use to protect against the rush. Some common examples include:

Regrouping in the neutral zone: By all players moving back to the neutral zone as a team and regrouping, the defending team can slow down the opposing team's rush and make it harder for them to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.
Gap Control: By maintaining a proper distance, or "gap," between the defenders and the opposing forwards, the defending team can slow down the opposing team's rush and make it harder for them to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.
Backchecking: By having the forwards backcheck and put pressure on the opposing team's defensemen, the defending team can slow down the opposing team's rush and make it harder for them to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.
Forechecking: By having the forwards forechecking and put pressure on the opposing team's defensemen, the defending team can force turnover and create scoring opportunities.
Smart positioning: By positioning themselves in the right place on the ice, the defending team can limit the space available to the opposing team and make it harder for them to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.
Good communication: By communicating effectively, the defending team can be aware of the opposing team's movement and anticipate their plays, making it harder for them to enter the defensive zone with speed and control of the puck.

Rush protection is an important aspect of the defensive play and it requires good team work, good positioning, and good communication to be effective. A good team should be able to anticipate the opposing team's plays and make adjustments accordingly to limit their scoring opportunities.