This setup is suited to kill a five on three where the opponent has two Ds up top (figure 10.23). F1 and D1 (D1 could be a defenseman, although some teams like to use another forward) move up and down on their sides as the puck is moved from high to low. F1 and D1 should not go too wide or too high. D2 plays the net area and moves from post to post. D2 must deny the side-to-side pass from O1 to O2. F1 and D1 must be ready to block shots. During five on threes, it is key to stay tight and compact and be strong on rebounds.

This set up is another option to kill a five on three penalty where the opponent has two D up top (figure 10.24). F1 stays in the middle of the ice denying any high passes through the middle and any passes between the two D. D1 and D2 play the base of the triangle. When the puck is at the bottom with O1 then D1 forces him out wide and D2 covers the net. F1 stays in the low slot. This penalty-kill setup does not give up much down low while also taking away any D-D up high passes with the stick of F1.

This setup is primarily suited to kill a five on three where the opponent has one D up top. F1 stays in the middle of the ice (figure 10.25). When the puck is up top, he stays head to head with the one opposing D. D1 and D2 form the base of the triangle. When the puck is at the bottom with O1, then D1 forces him out wide and D2 covers the net. D1 and D2 must also get in the shooting lanes of O3 and O4 when they have the puck. F1 stays in the low slot. Recognize where one-timer shots could come from, and have an active stick.

Three-on-Four Penalty Kill

The three-on-four penalty kill adds its own complexity and is similar to yet different from killing the three on five. The difference is that the defending three must decide if they are going to take away the top two shooters or stay near the front of the net. Usually the 4 on 3 is much easier to kill than the five on three. The PK unit focuses on playing around the man at the net leaving them three on three against the shooters.

Most teams on a four-on-three power play will set up in a diamond with one player at the net, so the triangle penalty kill with one high is the most effective system to use. F1 stays in the middle of the ice (figure 10.26). When the puck is up top, he stays head to head with the one opposing D. When the puck is passed, F1 stays in the middle and uses his stick to deny the pass from O2 to O3. D1 and D2 are ready to move out and take the shooting lane away from O2 and O3. D1 and D2 do not tie up with O1 at the net but are ready to defend his stick and get body position if the puck is shot through.

Remember the old adage that “defense wins championships.” Working on your teams PK structure, getting all players on the same page and having your goaltender be your best penalty killer are all ways to give your team a better chance to win.