This can be a frenetic time as a team tries to score the equalizing goal. Some teams panic and end up being very ineffective or giving up a goal and taking themselves out of a one goal game.

At this point in the game, the opponent is likely to be moving into a more defensive and conservative posture. Your team needs to pick up the pace and to take more chances. Some things that your team should pursue at this time in the game should include:


- Shoot low—the goaltenders are tired late in the game and very vulnerable to the low shot; they are also likely to go down and not get up so quickly—be aware of this and look to shoot over the shoulder on the rebound.

- Players need to continue playing as a team and not allow individual players to try and “do it alone.” This is not likely to be helpful and puts a lot of pressure on individual players. A team will lose good offensive opportunities if they cease playing as a team.

- Avoid making the “home run” pass and stick to good positioning and offensive attack methods;

- Allow the defensive players to carry the puck if they are not under pressure. At this point in the game the opponent will frequently allow the defensive player to skate it up as they are retreating and are willing to give ground.

- Defensive players may need to take more chances in the offensive zone by pinching in and going after loose pucks on the offensive boards.