Learn all about the 1-3-1 forechecking system in hockey and how it impacts the game – and could impact your fantasy hockey strategies.
1-3-1 Formation in Hockey: What to Know
The 1-3-1 formation is a powerful hockey strategy that can change the course of a game. It can be used to describe either a power-play setup or a neutral zone forechecking system, depending on the situation, but if used correctly, it can be one of the most effective strategies in the game.
Understanding what the 1-3-1 formation is, how it works and its benefits is crucial for hockey enthusiasts as well as anyone looking to get a leg up in their fantasy hockey league.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the 1-3-1 formation is, why it’s effective and how you can use it to your advantage in fantasy leagues. Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast or a fantasy hockey manager, Sleeper is here to help you master this strategy and elevate your game.
What is the 1-3-1 Power Play in Hockey?
The 1-3-1 power play is one of the tougher man-advantage formations to defend.
There is a skater, usually a defenseman, at the center of the blue line as the power-play quarterback. Then there are three forwards lined up in the middle of the neutral zone available for passes on the outside or deflections in the middle. Finally, there is one player directly in front of the crease attempting to screen the goalie, deflect a shot, or bury a rebound opportunity.
The 1-3-1 on the power play may have the same name as the 1-3-1 neutral zone trap, but they are very different. The 1-3-1 neutral zone trap has the players set up in a similar formation but between the blue lines as they attempt to stop the attacking team from moving up ice with the puck.
What are the Benefits of the 1-3-1 Formation?
On a 1-3-1 power play, the puck typically filters through the defenseman at the point with either of the side wingers available for a one-timer opportunity. This spreads the penalty killers out and should open passing or shooting lanes for the offensive team.
Having the five power-play skaters spread out throughout the zone opens up plenty of opportunities for the man advantage. Teams usually have a few set plays that they can run depending on the defensive formation. Alternatively, they should be able to get pucks on net from either the point or the faceoff circle. This allows teams to control the puck throughout the power play and create high-percentage scoring chances.
Using a 1-3-1 formation on the power play can keep the defense guessing and give the man advantage extra time and space, which is crucial in hockey.
The Risks of Relying on the 1-3-1 Formation
While there are plenty of benefits to the 1-3-1 power play, there are risks with any strategy, and this includes the 1-3-1 formation on the power play.
Given how spread out the offense is in the 1-3-1 formation, if a defensive player is able to read a pass or create a turnover, they could easily get a breakaway or odd-man rush the other way. Puck possession is key when using the 1-3-1 power play.
The 1-3-1 formation also only has the one defenseman up top. If his stick breaks or he flubs on a pass, there could be an easy breakaway or even a 2-on-0 chance the other way.
Player Roles in the 1-3-1 Formation
Every position has a different role in the 1-3-1 formation:
Center
The center is usually the player in the middle of the ice. He is usually relied upon to be a bumper in the slot and needs to move around to open up lanes for potential one-time opportunities.
Wingers
The wingers are typically spread to the outside in the 1-3-1 power play as the one-time options and passing outlets. Having the wingers on the outside allows for their teammates to send a quick pass their way if they get into trouble.
Defenseman
The defenseman is arguably the most important player in the 1-3-1 power play. He is the quarterback of the power play and must have great vision to see the passing lanes and shooting lanes open up. Furthermore, he must be able to have a good shot that can get through screens and attempted blocks by the opposition.
Read more: What Are the Positions in Hockey?
3 Key Factors for a Successful 1-3-1 Power Play
There are a few different key factors in order to find success on a 1-3-1 power play.
Puck Movement
Moving the puck is crucial on any power play but even more so when using the 1-3-1. Having just the one defenseman at the point leaves him vulnerable to rushes the other way, so the attacking team needs to control and move the puck around the zone to tire out the defensive side.
One-Time Options
One of the most important things to have on a 1-3-1 power play is the option of a one-timer on the outside wings. This usually means that the player on the left side of the ice when facing the goalie is a right-hand shot or vice versa on the right side of the ice.
Power-Play Quarterback
The most important thing in a 1-3-1 power play formation is the quarterback. Just as in football, the quarterback assesses the defense in front of him and elects where to pass or if he should take the shot himself.
A 1-3-1 power play can work with an average defenseman at the point, but having a top-tier blueliner on the man advantage can take the power play to the next level.
How the 1-3-1 Power Play Impacts Your Fantasy Hockey Strategy
Knowing which teams use the 1-3-1 power play and, more importantly, which players are in which positions is key. You may want to target a defenseman who shoots a lot on the power play or a forward that is in front of the net to get greasy goals or assists.
The 1-3-1 power play influences player roles and performances. Knowing which players are the focal point of their power play can give you an edge in deciding whom to roster on your fantasy hockey team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who popularized the 1-3-1 trap?
The New Jersey Devils were one of the first teams to popularize the use of the 1-3-1 trap with goaltender Martin Brodeur in net. They played a defensive style of hockey to slow the game down and win low-scoring contests.
What is the Kings’ 1-3-1 system?
The Kings’ 1-3-1 system is used in the neutral zone to slow down the opposition. There is one forward in on the forecheck, three skaters across the neutral zone around the red line and one defenseman back defending his own blue line.
What is the weakness of the 1-3-1 zone defense?
One of the main weaknesses of the 1-3-1 zone defense is that it can be beaten with speed. The neutral zone trap usually has the defenders standing still or on their heels, so a well-executed breakout with speed can get behind those defenders in a hurry.
The 1-3-1 power play is an effective strategy as is the 1-3-1 neutral zone trap. It’s important to know the differences as well as the benefits and downsides for your fantasy hockey league.
Take Your Hockey Knowledge to Sleeper
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