More to faceoffs than meets the eye

During television broadcasts, hockey color analysts talk about faceoffs, but usually only late in a period or game when a quick score is needed.

Much like a jump ball and the possession arrow in basketball, few casual fans notice that aspect of the game until the end.

But the faceoff determines more than the winner in the final seconds. It can determine whether a late score even affects the outcome. Puck possession is very important with 70-some faceoffs during a 60-minute college hockey game.

“It’s the game within the game,” Colorado College coach Scott Owens said.

The stats show the center’s win-loss record but it is ultimately the other skaters who determine which team wins the faceoff.

“The way we look at it is we lose it or win it as a line,” sophomore wing Andrew Hamburg said. “It’s our responsibility to go in there (for loose pucks). It’s a reflection on us.”

“Most faceoffs are won by the wings,” junior center Nick Dineen said.

The key is communication. As the center goes toward the dot, he uses the time to let the wings and defensemen know what he will do whether he tries to gain possession, for example, with a quick stick or by using his body (VIDEO LINK).

If the wings know where the puck is expected to go, they can beat their man and gain possession.

Every center has his favorite technique and most repeat it, Dineen said.

“After three draws, you figure them out,” sophomore center Rylan Schwartz said.

Once that inclination becomes clear, the opposing center can adjust.

“There’s a lot you can read from the other guy,” Dineen said. “You look at the wings’ position to him. A center can point his skates or it’s where he puts the stick (in relation to the faceoff dot).”

There are lots of ways to disrupt the other’s attempt.

“It’s like rock, paper, scissors,” Schwartz said. “One thing beats one thing and another beats another.”

And sometimes you do what’s most satisfying.

“If the guy keeps beating you, you get (angry) and charge through,” Schwartz said before breaking into a grin. “That can be fun.”

Each player is responsible for a portion of the ice. It depends on the location of the faceoff and the game situation. In the defensive zone or with a late lead, centers would rather tie up the puck and make it a 50/50 chance than lose the faceoff outright and give up a scoring opportunity. In the offensive end, centers go for the win.

“You have set plays because you can’t have all five going toward the puck,” Air Force coach Frank Serratore said.

While wings often charge in to claim a loose puck, defensemen either hang back to keep the puck in the offensive end or take it out of their zone, senior CC defenseman Ryan Lowery said.

In the end, it’s all about puck possession.

“It can be a huge piece of the overall puzzle,” Owens said.

Part of the puzzle for a coach is putting together your future team during recruiting.

“We don’t pigeonhole anyone but it is something to look at when you’re looking for a fourth- or third-line center,” Owens said. “When you ask a (junior) coach how he draws, hearing that he consistently wins draws can be as much music to your ears as he’ll get 15 points for you. You need to have those guys.”

That can guarantee ice time for a role player.

“If you can consistently win draws you will get considerable minutes,” Serratore said. “I’ll be forced to play you. Even if you’re not a good penalty killer, you’ll be out there on the kill. At least until you get off the ice quickly.”

Being a good faceoff man can also translate into a pro career.

“In the NHL, when you’re trying to make a team those kinds of skills are a huge difference,” Serratore said. “Faceoff skills differentiate players.”

It can be the difference between a win or a loss, and not just in the final moments of the game, even if that is when most notice it.

"It’s all about possession. It’s as simple and as important as that,” Serratore said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

With recent rule changes putting faceoffs in either the power play's or penalty killers’ zones, the ability to win possession on special teams has become even more critical.

“Right now, with all the special teams in the offensive and defensive ends, faceoffs have never been more important in the history of hockey,” Air Force coach Frank Serratore said.

The win percentages teams look for vary by the situation. A loss at center ice isn’t as bad as one in the opposing end on the power play.

“We do look at percentages,” Serratore said. “More importantly, we worry about key cases on special teams.”

The Colorado College coaches want their power play centers to win 60 percent of the time. Since penalty killers are down a man, 40 percent is the more reasonable goal. Falling short of that number too often may force a change if either unit is struggling.

Winning the faceoff can translate into killing an extra 10-15 seconds of a two-minute power play or wearing down the penalty killers. Just ask frustrated fans watching their team’s power play unit spend time gathering the puck instead of putting pressure on the penalty killers about how important faceoffs are.

“Special teams are when you have to be most effective,” Serratore said. “In World Arena, the ice is so big you could spend the whole two minutes in your own end if you lose the draw. That can be a killer.”