Brandon Montour’s overtime heroics against the Lightning were no accident. The game-winning goal was the result of a brilliantly executed set play that perfectly leveraged the open ice available during the NHL’s highly entertaining 3-on-3 overtime format.
Tactical Brilliance
By using a crisscross motion at the offensive blue line, the Kraken intentionally confused Tampa Bay’s man-to-man coverage. As the Lightning defenders hesitated for a fraction of a second, Montour slipped unnoticed into the high slot. The precision of the pass and the lightning-fast release of his wrist shot ensured the goaltender never had a chance to set his feet. It was a masterpiece of offensive hockey architecture.
