200-foot game
A player's strong presence across all three zones of the rink.
In ice hockey, a "200-foot game" refers to a player's ability to perform effectively across all three zones of the rink, which measures 200 feet in length. The term is typically used for forwards, though it can also apply to defensemen with strong offensive skills and to coaches who favor a balanced approach. Players known for a 200-foot game actively battle for puck control in every area of the ice, engage physically in traffic, and work hard whether or not they have the puck. This contrasts with high-scoring players who avoid heavy forechecking or backchecking, cherry-pick for breakaways, and stay out of corner battles—examples being Pavel Bure and Brett Hull. Classic 200-foot players include Gordie Howe, Bryan Trottier, Jari Kurri, Steve Yzerman, Patrice Bergeron, Doug Gilmour, Pavel Datsyuk, Mike Modano, Bobby Clarke, Sergei Fedorov, Joe Sakic, Anže Kopitar, Bob Gainey, Frank Nighbor, Ryan Getzlaf, and Sidney Crosby. Having such players is widely seen as crucial for success in modern hockey.
- Rink length
- 200 feet
- Example forwards
- Gordie Howe, Bryan Trottier, Jari Kurri, Steve Yzerman, Patrice Bergeron, Doug Gilmour, Pavel Datsyuk, Mike Modano, Bobby Clarke, Sergei Fedorov, Joe Sakic, Anže Kopitar, Bob Gainey, Frank Nighbor, Ry
- Example defensemen
- Bobby Orr, Nicklas Lidström
- Contrasted players
- Pavel Bure, Brett Hull
Lore & Background
The term 200-foot game contrasts players who fight for control of the puck in all areas with those who score many points by avoiding hard forechecking or backchecking, cherry picking plays for breakaways, and avoiding fighting for the puck in the corners. Players who exemplify the 200-foot game fight for each part of the ice, engage using their body in traffic, and battle for puck control whether it is in their possession or not. Classic examples include Gordie Howe, Bryan Trottier, Jari Kurri, Steve Yzerman, Patrice Bergeron, Doug Gilmour, Pavel Datsyuk, Mike Modano, Bobby Clarke, Sergei Fedorov, Joe Sakic, Anže Kopitar, Bob Gainey, Frank Nighbor, Ryan Getzlaf, and Sidney Crosby. The term can also apply to defensemen who are also skilled offensive players, such as Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidström, as well as coaches who employ a balanced style of play.
Reader's Guide
Having players able to play a 200-foot game is widely considered a key to success in the modern game. The concept emphasizes a complete, two-way commitment to every zone of the ice, requiring forwards to backcheck diligently and engage physically in corners, rather than cherry picking for offensive opportunities. This style of play is contrasted with that of high-scoring players like Pavel Bure or Brett Hull, who were known for avoiding hard forechecking or backchecking and instead focusing on breakaway chances. The 200-foot game values defensive responsibility and physical engagement as much as offensive production. The inclusion of defensemen like Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidström under the term shows that it also encompasses blueliners who contribute offensively while maintaining strong defensive positioning. Coaches who employ a balanced style of play are also described with this term, indicating a team-wide philosophy of complete ice coverage. The widespread recognition of players such as Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron, and Anže Kopitar as 200-foot players underscores the term's importance in evaluating modern hockey talent.
Did You Know?
- The term derives from the standard ice rink length of 200 feet.
- Players like Pavel Bure and Brett Hull are contrasted with 200-foot players for avoiding hard forechecking and backchecking.
More in Ice Hockey Terminology 1-24
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