Neutral zone trap
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The neutral zone trap is a defensive ice hockey strategy used by a team to prevent an opposing team from proceeding through the neutral zone (the area between both blue lines) by forcing turnovers in that area. The strategy is generally used to level the playing field for teams that are not as offensively talented as their opponent, though the trap can also be used by teams simply looking to protect a lead late in the game.
The most recognizable implementation of the trap sees the defence stationing four of their players in the neutral zone and one forechecker in the offensive zone. As the offensive team starts to move up the ice, the forechecker (generally the centre) will cut off passing lanes to other offensive players by staying in the middle of the ice, forcing the puck carrier to either sideboard. The defensive wingers—typically placed on or near the red line—will be positioned by the boards to challenge the puck carrier, prevent passing, or even keep opponents from moving through. The two defencemen who are positioned on or near the blue lines are the last defence should the play move past the wingers and the centre.
The trap was made infamous by the New Jersey Devils' 1995 Stanley Cup victory, and has been widely criticized for reducing scoring and making the game less exciting for fans. It has, however, proven to be very effective, especially in the playoffs. A number of proposals to ban the trap have been made over the years, but none have been taken seriously. During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, serious discussion about opening the game to offense was done by both the NHL and NHL Players Association (NHLPA). Because trappers can employ obstruction to improve efficiency, by slowing the progress of faster players, the League ordered officials to call every obstruction penalty, regardless of circumstance. The higher call volume has been credited with increased scoring and excitement in the National Hockey League since the 2005-2006 season, though this can also be credited to the increased number of power plays; indeed, some traditional trapping teams still employ the trap as a regular strategy with varying degrees of success, demonstrating that the trap is not simply reliant on obstruction tactics. Elimination of the 2 line pass rule and rules governing play of the puck by the goalie have also increased offensive production and have worked to limit the trap's viability to a certain extent.
