Offensive zone face-offHockeyLike the Pros

Jets OZFO Wheel

Break a passive box with a D-to-D wheel, shift the shape, and deliver a clean low one-timer off timing and deception.

Play breakdown video

The play

A clean offensive-zone face-off win starts the Jets OZFO Wheel. The puck moves D-to-D while the center wheels below the net, pulling the low defender with him and delaying the help side. The final pass arrives low to a winger sliding into a one-timer lane below the dot.

Best used when

  • The opponent defends with a passive box or box-and-one in the defensive zone.
  • Your team can win the draw cleanly and move the puck D-to-D with pace and control.

Player responsibilities

Center (55 - Scheifele)
Win the draw on the backhand to D1, then immediately wheel below the net. The route forces the low defender to track, opens weak-side ice, and creates the trigger pass at the far hash marks.
High Winger (81 - Connor)
Start in the high slot, then slide down below the dot as the puck moves D-to-D and the center wheels. Arrive with feet set and stick ready for the one-timer.
Net-front Winger (9 - Iafallo)
Plant early at the net front and hold the screen. Staying locked in front occupies the defense and takes away the goalie's eyes.
Strong-side D (4 - Pionk)
Receive the face-off win and move the puck across quickly. After the D-to-D pass, rotate toward the strong side to cover the point or support a recycle.
Weak-side D (44 - Morrissey)
Walk the blue line after receiving the D-to-D pass, pull eyes high, and hit the center at the weak-side hash marks once the wheel is complete.

Winnipeg Jets 2025 Playoffs Game 1 GWG

Key teaching points

  • The center must sell the wheel as a shooting threat so the low defender has to respect the turn to the middle.
  • The high winger should time the slide-down after the D-to-D movement. Arriving too early lets the box close the lane.
  • The weak-side defenseman walks before passing to shift the top of the box and delay the help defense.
  • The net-front winger cannot drift. Any movement away from the crease frees the goalie's eyes and weakens the screen.
  • The play is built on puck timing, not speed. Rushed execution collapses the one-timer window.

Drill the D-to-D hinge

Simulate a faceoff win and execute a controlled zone possession sequence to create offensive-zone scoring chances from the point.

Secondary options

  • Weak-side D quick shot through the net-front screen if the wheel route is covered.
  • Center hold and reverse to the net-front winger or back to the strong-side defenseman.
  • High winger delay and pop high if the low one-timer lane closes.
  • Cycle to the corner when the pass is unavailable and activate the net-front winger off the wall.
  • Point reload to reset the box and re-enter the same timing sequence.

Quick answers

What is the Jets OZFO Wheel trying to create?
The play uses a D-to-D pass and a center wheel below the net to shift the defensive box, delay the help side, and open a clean low one-timer.
What defensive coverage does this face-off play attack best?
It is designed for opponents in a passive box-and-one or compact defensive-zone box. The wheel and D-to-D movement stretch a static shape before it can shift sides.
Why does the center wheel instead of going straight to the net?
The wheel forces the low defender to decide whether to track the puck carrier or stay home. That decision opens the weak-side ice for the one-timer.
How do I add this OZFO play to GAME4?
Click the Add button to copy the board into your library, then use the drill card to rehearse the D-to-D hinge and timing cues with your team.