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These NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have proven to be some of the best hockey we have seen in a long time. Crazy story lines have only added to the drama!  Two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay look poised to see themselves to their third straight Finals appearance, and fourth finals going back to 2015 with the current core group. The other three contenders are looking to end lengthy draughts. Colorado has won the most recent, dating back to 2001. New York has not hoisted the cup since Mark Messier did in 1994, and Edmonton hasn’t won since their final dynasty championship, winning their 5th in 7 years in 1990.

It is incredibly easy to get lost watching the game as a fan, but as a player, what should kids be looking for while watching the best in the world compete for the greatest trophy known to mankind. It depends on age, and experience. Young players should take note of how well players at this stage in the season do things fundamentally. The fundamental errors become more glaring on the big stage. Older players should be paying attention to the movement and patterns that they see. The more experienced the player is, the finer details should be the focus. Instead of looking at where the puck carrier is going, maybe pay attention to the full forecheck.

The game has an incredible trickle-down effect. What you see in games tonight will be taken note of and worked on by skills coaches this summer. Those who aren’t students of the game can get left behind as hockey evolves so fast. The best example of this being the Michigan goal, although we haven’t seen any of those at our Elite Amateur Sports youth hockey tournaments just yet. Do you have a cool story of seeing a youth player use a new move out of the NHL? Let us know on our Facebook page.