Point shot

Lore & Background

The point shot is primarily executed as a slapshot or wrist shot from the defensive blue line during offensive pressure. Its purpose is to generate scoring chances by directing the puck on goal, where it may be tipped by an attacking player or create a rebound for a follow-up shot. The slapshot variant is the hardest and most telegraphed, while the wrist shot offers greater accuracy. Players known for their slapshot include Bernard 'Boom Boom' Geoffrion, Al MacInnis, Zdeno Chára, and Shea Weber. The point shot is a key component of power-play strategies, as it forces the goaltender to track the puck through traffic.

Reader's Guide

The point shot holds significance as a fundamental offensive tactic in ice hockey, particularly on the power play. It leverages the defenseman's position at the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone and apply pressure on the goaltender. The shot's effectiveness is often measured by its ability to create scoring chances, such as tips or rebounds, rather than direct goals. Players like Al MacInnis and Zdeno Chára have been noted for their powerful point shots, which can intimidate opponents and alter defensive formations. The legacy of the point shot is tied to its role in team strategy, where it serves as a primary method for generating offense from the perimeter. Its use requires coordination with forwards to screen the goaltender and capitalize on deflections.

Did You Know?

• The slapshot, often used for point shots, is the hardest but most telegraphed shot in hockey.
• A point shot can be tipped by an attacking player to redirect the puck past the goaltender.
• The slapshot involves striking the ice two to seven inches behind the puck to store energy in the stick.