Red Wings United

This is a quote from a Detroit Free Press article, and I think it shows a lot about the Red Wings style of play. Having played soccer for quite awhile and hockey as well, but not as well, I can see a lot of soccer in the way the Wings play.

And when they aren't on the ice, they have heated soccer battles.

"The rivalry between Sweden and Finland is still going on, with two-touch," Zetterberg said. "And every time, Sweden beats Finland. Basically, the Finns want to become Swedes -- that's what the rivalry is all about."

Most reporters say they play a “puck possession” style of play, that’s just natural soccer that you see. The only difference being the offside is determined by a line rather than the second to last defender or when the ball is played or the ball. To put it simply, the Wings take advantage of the strategy of soccer and the offside rule of hockey.

Watch when the Wings get possession of the puck in their own end, they have lanes and positions that they are at and everyone knows right where each other will be and should be. They don’t even have to look to pass and often pass as soon as they get it, holding on to the puck only when necessary and when they have space or time or also to create space or time for teammates.

Everyone on the team moves very well without the puck, finding space or going to passing lanes for teammates. Another sure tale sign of soccer influence. You can see triangles form for passing, influence of soccer.

The last thing is that everyone plays defense. The first person to play defense is the guy that loses the puck. Just like soccer, it’s easier to run/skate 3 steps/strides rather than going all the way back to your own defensive end.

The main thing that differentiates the Wings hockey play from soccer is the pure hitting and finishing of checks. That’s got the origins of hockey all over it, so until they start slide tackling, I’m not worried about them quitting they’re day jobs.