FUEL BLOG: Transition Game, Video Breakdown

TRANSITION GAME

All season, the Fuel have focused heavily on having a quick transition game from offense to defense. That means as soon as the puck is turned over to the Fuel in their defensive end, the team immediately transitions to offense and moves the puck up the ice for a potential scoring chance at the other end.

We can show this game plan being executed by breaking down Indy’s first goal of the game against the Wheeling Nailers on March 19 when Bryan Lemos, Spencer Watson and Jan Mandat combined for a perfectly executed 3-on-2 odd-man rush, cutting Wheeling’s lead to 2-1.

We’ll start with the transition in the D-zone. 

Following a shot on Justin Kapelmaster, the puck ends up in the corner and Cam Bakker fights for the loose puck with Wheeling’s Justin Almeida and Sean Josling. Seeing the loose puck and Bakker having the opportunity to move the puck ahead, the Fuel forwards are already beginning to transition to offense. Bakker moves the puck to a curling Lemos and the Fuel are off to the races. 

Once into the neutral zone, the Fuel has a 3-on-3 heading into the offensive zone. Looking for a way to move the puck, Lemos is limited to two options because his linemate Jan Mandat is covered by Wheeling player number 3. So his options are either skate the puck into the zone or move ahead to Spencer Watson who has a defenseman in front of him.

Here’s the transition at full speed.

OFFENSIVE ZONE ENTRY

Once into the O-zone, the Fuel had a 3-on-2 with a Wheeling player backchecking hard. Lemos cuts hard to the middle of the ice causing both the Wheeling defenseman and forward to cover him. 

Because Lemos took two players with him and Josling was reaching with his stick, Lemos leaves his linemate Spencer Watson wide open for a drop pass and proceeds to the middle of the ice. At the exact same time, Mandat rushes to the net, forcing the second defenseman to cover him. 

Now without a stick, the Wheeling forward can do nothing but use his body and the Wheeling defenceman is stuck. Executing a perfect give-and-go play, Lemos drops the puck to Watson who gives it right back to Lemos for a one-timer shot over the shoulder of Wheeling goaltender Alex D’Orio.

Let’s watch the whole play at full speed.

About Prairie Farms

Farmer owned and locally produced Prairie Farms is a nationally recognized leader in the dairy industry known for milk flavor innovations and producing award-winning milk, cheese, and cultured dairy products. We’re proud to support dairy farmers and jobs in Indiana. Visit our webpage at PrairieFarms.com for product information, recipes, coupons and where to find award-winning Prairie Farms Dairy products.