This is by far the hardest strategy to play against, if you ask me. New Jersey Devils used this strategy with great result when winning the 1995 Stanley Cup. The trap, when combined with obstruction, developed into such an effective defensive system that the NHL implemented new rules during the 2004-05 players lockout. Because it is easier to trap when engaging in obstruction and restraining fouls, such as hooking and holding, the NHL ordered officials to call all obstruction penalties. The NHL also removed the two-line pass rule in an attempt to open up neutral zone play.

So what does it look like?

It's a basic 1-2-2 formation. The center sits at the top of the trap and pressures the puck. When the opponent decides which direction to attack, the two wings and defensemen collapse to that side of the ice, clogging most of the passing lanes.The most recognizable implementation of the trap sees the defense stationing four of their players in the neutral zone and one forechecker in the offensive zone, just inside the oppositions blueline. As the offensive team starts to move up the ice, the forechecker will cut off passing lanes to other offensive players by staying in the middle of the ice, forcing the puck carrier to the outside. The defensive wingers, usually on or near the red line, will then move to challenge the puck carrier, attempting to keep opponents from moving through the neutral zone. Thus forcing the puck carrier to move the puck to the boards. The two defencemen (who are positioned on or near their blue line) and weak side winger will attempt to step into the passing lanes and cause a turnover.



How to do it in NHL 10

Set the forecheck to 1-2-2. Use Puck Side Attack pressure and Staggered or Tight Point as your defensive strategy.

How do you attack it?


If you're able to cross the red line you can use the dump-and-chase strategy. Send the puck into the offensive zone from center ice, forcing the trap team to reverse its course. If you're about to get trapped by the boards, pass the puck back to a defender or, if out of options, use the boards to shoot the puck down into offensive zone.

You might feel like a bore playing dump style, but in order to overcome the trap you need to move your forwards to open ice. Since the AI tends to fuck this up, you need to create a pretty advanced play. I found a post with a strategy here. Of course you could allways try deking your way through, but you will find yourself  outnumbered 2-1 (at least) and if you beat one man with a loose puck deke another will move in and pick up the loose puck most of the time.