After a particularly tough loss, you might be feeling a little empty. Whether you’re a hockey player looking for a way to process your loss, or a coach looking for ways to motivate your team, there is a certain empty net trend that you can use to your advantage.
Hockey is a game that is all about inches. Even the smallest player on the ice can have an impact on the game. Because of this, it is common for the final outcome of a game not to reflect who the better team was at the end of the day. This is where empty nets come in.
An empty net is when the goalkeeper’s team fails to stop the puck from crossing the goal line. Because the puck can pass through the goaltender’s legs, the team in front simply has to keep shooting or pass the puck until they either score or the goalie makes a save. If the goalie doesn’t touch the puck, the team in front of the net scores a goal, and the other team loses. The more specific the rules are, the easier it is for the opposition to execute an empty net strategy. Using stoppages and deflections to score is a common occurrence in ice hockey.
For the home team, an empty net can be a good way to end the game on a high note. Rather than having the opportunity to mount a come-back and possibly win the game, the goalie’s team is given one last chance to save face by preventing the opposition from scoring. Due to the randomness of the final outcome of a game in hockey, this also gives the on-ice performers the opportunity to shine. As the coach of a team looking to improve in any way possible, the empty net can be a great way to inspire your team without the pressure of winning.
Table of Contents
How Effective Is It As A Motivational Tool?
The idea behind using empty nets as a motivational tool is to get the best performance out of your team without them feeling less motivated to play. It is a tried and tested method and one that can be extremely effective. A study from 2013 found that when the home team gets an opportunity to end the game on a high note by scoring an empty net goal, they perform better than when they are on the verge of losing the game.
The same study also looked at the effect that an empty net had on the away team and whether or not this affected their motivation to play. In an effort to reduce their frustration level and prevent potential injuries, coaches will often throw out strategies that can help their team avoid losing. The empty net is one such tool. While on the surface it may not seem like a beneficial strategy, it can actually be a good way to get your team’s attention and ensure they work hard throughout the game. This is because getting into the habit of always having a chance to score at the end of every game can boost your team’s confidence.
Why Are Teams Allowing More And More Goals?
The study mentioned above also looked into why teams were allowing more and more goals to be scored. One of the reasons behind this is due to the rise of the power-play. In the 2011-2012 season, there were only 43 power-plays per game. During the 2013-2014 season, there were 64 power-plays per game.
These numbers can be attributed to the increase of five-on-five gameplay in which players skate around instead of just shooting at the net. The rise of the power-play means there is more room for error for the goaltender. While it may be easy for a player to score on a great play, it’s a completely different matter when the goalie has to make a save. This is where goalies now have to be at their best to prevent the goal, meaning they have to learn to trust their instincts and know when to make a save, and when to let the puck go through to the attacking team. This makes it easier for the attacking team to score because there is less for the goalie to think about. This may also explain why empty nets are becoming so effective as a strategy.
—
How Effective Is It In Improving Goalie Skills?
Even skilled goalies can benefit from using an empty net as a strategy. Due to the lack of pressure and the randomness that comes with not knowing how the game will end, goaltenders can step out of their comfort zone and get a feel for the puck while not having to worry about whether or not they will save the puck. This makes it easier for them to practice certain skills such as stopping pucks on the rebound and playing with the weight of the world on their shoulders. While it might not seem like much, even a slight change in mindset can make a world of difference.
Can A Home Team Win The Game When They Are Down A Player?
With just over two minutes left in the third period and the home team down a player, it would seem like an easy goal to let in. However, that is usually when the best teams find a way to win. This is because the opposition simply runs out of time and the home team takes advantage of the situation.
In the 2013-2014 season, there were 12 wins where the away team had at least one player score a goal in the final minute. In four of those games, it was an empty net that helped the home team win the game.
In the 2017-2018 season, there were only five such instances, the lowest amount since 2008-2009, even though there were more games played (162). This could mean that fatigue was beginning to set in and players were getting a bit tired of playing endless minutes. Even when they are not, the occasional empty net can still provide the home team with a boost of confidence while also giving the opposition a taste of blood.
When Should A Team Allow An Empty Net?
Teams should allow an empty net when they are up a player. This is because even though the scenario makes perfect sense in theory, in practice it is difficult to find a way to stop the puck. In 82 games this season (through October 30), there were 15 games where the away team had one or two players on the ice when the final buzzer went. Of those 15 games, there were 12 wins for the home team, three ties and one loss. This means that in 61.6% (12/15) of these games, the empty net helped the home team win the game.
In other words, if you want to win, you should always allow an empty net when you are down a player. If you don’t, you risk putting the game in jeopardy. As a coach, you need to find a way to protect your team’s confidence while also giving your opponents a taste of blood. The empty net can be a great tool to do just that.
Final Takeaway
Whether you are a hockey player looking for a way to process your loss, a coach looking for ways to motivate your team or an ice hockey fan who wants to learn more about the game, the odds are that empty nets are something you have not really thought about. This is a game where anything can happen and an empty net can be a great way to get your team’s attention and ensure they perform at their best. As always, feel free to consult with a professional regarding your team’s chances of winning or losing a given game.