7 replies to this topic

[Bits]

Normally when my sister or I have a question about hockey we search on google for the answer. Usually this method works. However, sometimes the result is less than helpful. Such is my present state. So getting to my question: What is "cheating" in hockey? I've heard it used many times by commentators. I would assume that penalties are what one would call cheating, but I guess not. I've heard in many different scenarios, the instance that comes to mind was in regards to centers and winning draws. But I've also heard it in speaking of other postitions. So how does one cheat? Is it as bad as it sounds? Am I making any sense?

[432j]

the instance that comes to mind was in regards to centers and winning draws. But I've also heard it in speaking of other postitions. So how does one cheat? Is it as bad as it sounds? Am I making any sense?

Yes, it makes sense.

I would say that there are two different types of cheating primarily. One you mentioned, which is on faceoffs. That is more along the lines of "breaking the rules" or at least pushing them.

When you hear it in other contexts, I think it basically comes down to this: the player being referenced is not really playing their position they way they should, but taking a bit of a risk or a liberty to be in a better offensive position (generally speaking). It really has nothing to do with breaking the rules. For instance, if the puck is in the Ducks defensive zone, but Teemu Selanne is skating around at the blueline rather than defending an opposing player, it might be said that he's "cheating." The purpose would be that if the Ducks take over the puck, someone could make a quick pass to Teemu and he's be on a breakaway.

You could also hear it in reference to goalies and their position in the net. Let's say that Iginla and Nolan are leading the Wings on a 2-against-1 rush. Generally speaking Giguere would only be worried about the puck, regardless of who it is and let the defenseman worry about the player without the puck. Now, let's say it's Nolan with the puck and he's been passing up shots all night. Giguere may believe that Nolan will definitely pass to Iginla, so JS then "cheats" his positioning to be ready to play a shot coming from Iginla.

[Bits]

Cool, thanks for the info.
BTW great signature!

[432j]

Cool, thanks for the info.
BTW great signature!

Thanks. And, even though it looks like you've joined up quite some time ago, welcome to AllDucks.

[Bits]

Thanks

[LightItUp4126]

As far as faceoffs are concerned, there can be plenty of cheating. I know Thomas Plekanec of the Canadiens has perfected the art of sticking his leg into the face-off dot to steal the puck. That's a bit on the side of cheating, but the refs can't really do anything about it except for speak to him, and only if he makes a point to continue doing it, they can call him for interference, or an unsportsmanlike. If you watch him win a draw, either on YouTube or in a game next year, look for his left foot to swing around after the puck drops to gain position against his opponent.

[Sojourn]

To be honest, when it comes to faceoffs, anyone who wins them on a regular basis cheats in some way or another.

[Dutch Duck]

Didn't Ottawa cheat to get the first overall pick to pick Alexander Daigle? It looked like they lost on purpose.