Who invented the neutral zone trap in hockey?

Asked by: Brandon Horne

Jacques LemaireJacques Lemaire, are credited with bringing the neutral zone trap to prominence. The team enjoyed success using the trap because they bought into the idea it would work (and because no one had seen it before).

How did the NHL get rid of the trap?

The NHL changed the rules after the 2004-05 lockout, removing the red line and allowing two-line passes through the neutral zone to try to stop trapping and increase offense.

What is the neutral zone used for in hockey?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The neutral zone trap (often referred to as simply the trap) is a defensive strategy used in ice hockey to prevent an opposing team from proceeding through the neutral zone (the area between the blue lines) and to force turnovers.

What was the New Jersey Devils trap?

the neutral zone trap

One of the biggest reasons why the New Jersey Devils rose to prominence in the mid-1990s (1995-1996 excepted) and won the Stanley Cup in 1995 was their use of the neutral zone trap. It’s a defensive system that head coach Jacques Lemaire drilled into the team, who collectively bought into it to great success.

What NHL teams play the trap?

The Best Team At Playing The Trap



The Islanders are the best at playing the trap during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As we saw against the Florida Panthers in the qualifying round, and against the Washington Capitals in the first round. They completely dominated both series because of their defensive play.

What was the NHL dead puck era?

The New Jersey Devils have often been criticized for popularizing the trap, using it to win the Stanley Cup in 1995. This period has been called the dead puck era.

How do you beat the neutral zone trap?

And then does a little drop pass back to that defenseman who is following up the play. And then the defenseman fires a cross ice. Pass. So that's a way of getting in behind your angles.

How big is NHL neutral zone?

50 feet long

How large is the neutral zone in hockey? The neutral zone is 50 feet long and 85 feet wide. On the other hand, each offensive zone and defensive zone is 75 feet long, meaning that the neutral zone only occupies a quarter of the ice.

What is the purpose of a neutral zone?

The Neutral Zone is defined as, a designated area/location where sharps only may be placed and retrieved. Its purpose is to reduce the incidence of percutaneous injuries and blood exposures by reducing the occurrence of hand-to-hand transfer of sharp instruments. Several choices can be used as the Neutral Zone.

What are the three zones in hockey?

Rink “Zones”



The ice surface is divided into three zones. The area where the goal net is located is the “defending zone” for the team defending that net. The middle of the rink, between two blue lines, is the “neutral zone.” The area where the opposing net is located is the “attacking zone” or “offensive zone.”

Do the Habs play the trap?

The Canadiens offer the best example of a team using the trap in order to frustrate, impede and nullify opposing offenses.

What is the main tool of the hockey player?

hockey stick

The hockey stick is the players’ main tool. Hockey sticks are made from a variety of materials, such as wood or aluminum. A hockey stick is a long shaft with a flat-faced surface, called a blade, at one end. Players use the blade to hit the puck.

Is a two line pass legal in hockey?

In hockey, a two line pass is when a player passes the puck from their defensive zone past the defensive blue line and the center red line to a teammate. Years ago, hockey leagues had a rule that banned two line passes, but this rule was largely removed from the game in 2005.

Can you have a 5 on 2 in hockey?

No, a team can never have less than 3 players on the ice. If a team takes a penalty while they have three players on the ice the penalty will be served at the expiry of the penalty with the least amount of time left.

Is there a mercy rule in NHL?

The mercy rule is most common in games such as baseball or softball, where there is no game clock and play could theoretically continue forever, although it is also used in sports such as hockey and American football.