Sergei Fedorov Continues to Deploy Rogue OT Strategy...And It's Working
Normally in sudden death overtime, most hockey minds would consider the goalie to be the single most irreplaceable piece on a coach's chess board. After all, surrender one goal and it is all over. However, 3x Stanley Cup champion Sergei Fedorov deploys a unique overtime strategy that seems to be paying off for the Hockey Hall of Famer.
As soon as his team wins possession off the opening draw, he pulls his goalie, giving his team a 4-on-3 in overtime. As bold as it is, if you can maintain puck possession -- or at least prevent the other team from securing it -- you have a man-advantage for the duration. The downside risk is pretty obvious, but it is said that a 4-on-3 advantage is more desirable than 5-on-4 due to the extra space in-zone to create plays.
I would be surprised -- pleasantly, I might add -- to see this tactic deployed in the NHL, as the controversial 'overtime' point is so critical. Although, a team desperate for points could give it a go. Years ago, Patrick Roy tried to introduce the strategy of pulling his goalie with more than five minutes left in games in which his team was trailing. That never caught on, and Roy has since fallen out of the NHL. I'm interested to see how Fedorov's tactic fits into the larger schema.
Nevertheless, this is a rogue move that leaves Fedorov's team exposed. All it takes is one missed pass or an active stick from the other team to cost his group the win. Not that I dare to question one of the greatest hockey players ever, but it is a bold strategy.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 4 | 323 ANSWERS Sergei Fedorov Continues to Deploy Rogue OT Strategy...And It's Working Will Fedorov's OT strategy be utilized in the NHL in 2022-23? | ||
| Yes | 127 | 39.3 % |
| No | 112 | 34.7 % |
| See results | 84 | 26 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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YESTERDAY
APRIL 30, 2026
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