Three keys of centering?

Question

I just started centering after almost four years of LW and then short while playing D.

What would you say are the three key things to focus on as a center?

What do look for and want, in the centers for your team?

Why did I see #4 coming, Wiley? LOL You know, I bet nobody says that to Patrick Marleau.

Loving these answers--really helpful, thanks guys.

(So really the question is if you wear a bikini top under your gear do your shoulderpads chafe?)

Answer 1

1) Good skating ability - A center is expected to contribute not only offensively, but also in the defensive zone. I'd want a center who has good speed and an ability to backcheck.

2) Faceoff ability - You take a lot of draws, and you want someone who is going to either going to win the draw, or at least tie up the opposing center.

3) Playmaking - You need to set up your wingers, so passing is a necessity.

I know that not all centers are able to fulfill each of those every time, but that's what I'd be looking for.

Answer 2

1.Winning faceoffs is key.
2.Driving to the net and creating interference in front of the goalie is important, especially on the power play where the center is expected to tip in a point shot or scoop up a rebound.
3. The center is the 5th defenseman. I expect my center to play a solid hard 2 way game on both ends of the ice.

Answer 3

This is what I would look for in a Center. Defensive skill, Winning face-offs,and most inportantly the stick-handling capabilities. Without being able to control the puck,it doesn't matter how well you can FIND an open teammate. You've got to be able to settle the puck down in oreder to pass it.

Answer 4

1. Go to the net. You need to be a presence in front.

2. Don't forget your back-checking responsibilities. You may be down low, but you have to help disrupt the other team's O as often as possible.

3. Good face-off skills - this is not only recognizing patterns in your opponents but knowing where to send the puck to after you do win it.

4. Bikinis. ;)

Answer 5

A center should be the leader and catalyst of a line. Make sure the wingmen know the center, and know his style.

A center MUST know how to take faceoffs. Gotta win more than half of them.

A center needs to be balanced. Centers play more two-way hockey than any other position. He cannot go down easy.

Answer 6

1. Positioning; you have to be able to get down low in your defensive end, to initiate the break out, as well as get deep into the offensive end, to generate goals /assists. For me, the hardest thing to adjust to (changing from the wing) was the "float" mentality; you can no longer "stay in your lane", you have to get all over the ice as needed. This also means your conditioning will be challenged.

2. Passing / moving the puck. Quick decisions, to generate and support transition play. Related to knowing your linemates (as already posted).

3. Face-offs; which I think are not focused on enough. Winning draws is huge, especially in big games. As a center, your responsibility is to postion your linemates before the draw, so that, if you win, you can get an immediate scoring chance (if in the offensive end), get a quick break out (in the defensive end), or generate transition (neutral zone).

The centers need to be STRONG skaters, with endurance to spare. They need to be able to "see the ice" well, for quick decision making. They also should be able to communicate well with their linemates, before the face off as well as while play is on.

Answer 7

I played 6 years as a center, one word

Peripheral Vision.
You also control the pushes.

Answer 8

faceoffs, skating with your head up, and conditoning

You are going to be expected to take a lot of draws, the better you are at it....

You need to be able to find the open teammate so be sure that you are comfortable with the puck at your feet.

You will have to skate more than anyone on your team. the D may log more minutes but they don't skate nearly as long or as hard.