In the video above, NHL Development Coach Darryl Belfry, breaks down the game of Florida Panthers defenseman, Gustav Forsling, highlighting the subtle yet elite elements of his defensive play. While not flashy, Forsling excels in areas that are often overlooked — particularly his positioning, timing, and puck disruption. Many of his best plays occur when he's on the weak side, where his reads and quick decisions lead not only to defensive stops but also transition opportunities for his team.
The video explores how Forsling defends the net front, times his arrivals, uses body and stick positioning effectively, and supports his teammates through smart doubles and exits. Watch the video above and review the key takeaways below to learn from Darryl Belfry's analysis of Gustav Forsling. These insights can help hockey players and coaches improve practices and in-game performance.
What Makes Gustav Forsling Great
Net Front Defense & Box-Outs
- Shoulder checks early to identify threats and get inside body position.
- Maintains defensive side positioning and uses body contact effectively.
- Wins stick battles by getting under the opponent’s stick and using leverage.
Timing & Weak Side Arrival
- Arrives simultaneously with the puck on the weak side, denying time and space.
- This disrupts puck control before the offensive player can make a move.
Stick Positioning & “Hiding the Reach”
- Keeps two hands on his stick during contact, giving him control and flexibility.
- Hides his stick near his skates to make it harder for the puck to get through, allowing deflections or interceptions.
- Coaches can teach players to disguise their stick lanes and use deception defensively.
Contact & Stick-First Defending
- Maintains stick availability during battles—doesn’t tie himself up unnecessarily.
- Uses his body to box out but always keeps his stick free for puck plays.
- Reinforces that effective defending isn’t just about hitting—it's about smart contact and puck retrieval.
Transition & Recovery Skills
- Uses quick reads to recover back to dangerous areas, rather than chasing the puck.
- Understands when to switch roles or cover teammates' mistakes through smart positioning.
- Coaches should stress the importance of defending with the purpose of creating transition.
Doubling & Exit Kill
- Recognizes vulnerable moments—like when a puck carrier turns back—and pounces with a second defender.
- Cuts off passing lanes and initiates transitions by being one step ahead mentally.
- Instruct players on reading triggers (e.g., turns, bobbles) to time support and pressure effectively.
Entry Denials
- Skates forward to deny controlled entries, often forcing dump-ins or turnovers.
- Combines strong skating, positioning, and stick checks to shut down plays at the blue line.
- Encourages defensemen to play assertively at the line, using angles and anticipation.
Final Message for Coaches
Forsling’s game shows that elite defense isn’t just about size or speed, but about reading the game, positioning smartly, and making life hard for opponents without taking penalties. Teaching players to defend with their stick, think ahead, and recover quickly will help develop smarter, more impactful defensemen at any age.