It's the most heavily-contested real estate on the ice.
Author - Brett Lee
How aggressively should a defender close out their gap? The answer is, it depends.
They patiently wait for the opponent to settle for low-quality chances.
It's a common defensive zone strategy used by NHL teams.
Analytics, Coaching Hockey, Tactics
Using neutral zone tactics to create controlled zone entries (VIDEOS)
Controlled entries create twice the amount of shots and goals than dumping the puck in.