In hockey, "7 and 11" refers to a specific roster configuration where a team dresses seven defensemen and eleven forwards for a game, deviating from the more common lineup. This strategic adjustment is primarily utilized to accommodate an injury, ensuring the team maintains sufficient depth at a critical position.
Understanding the Roster Configuration
A standard hockey lineup typically consists of 12 forwards (arranged into four lines), 6 defensemen (forming three pairings), and 2 goaltenders, totaling 20 skaters and 2 goalies dressed for a game. The "7 and 11" system alters this traditional balance:
| Player Type | Standard Lineup | 7 & 11 Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Forwards | 12 | 11 |
| Defensemen | 6 | 7 |
| Goaltenders | 2 | 2 |
| Total Skaters | 20 | 20 |
Why Teams Use the 7-11 Scheme
The decision to deploy a 7-11 system is a tactical one, often driven by specific circumstances:
- Injury Accommodation: The most common reason teams implement this scheme is to accommodate an injury, particularly when a team has several injured forwards but a healthy complement of defensemen. This ensures they don't have to play with fewer than 12 skaters if an in-game injury occurs, providing a crucial safety net.
- Defensive Depth: Having an extra defenseman provides added depth on the blue line. This can be beneficial for:
- Fatigue Management: Allowing coaches to rotate defensemen more frequently, keeping them fresher, especially during demanding games or playoff series.
- Special Teams: Offering more options for penalty kill units or power play specialists without overtaxing specific players.
- In-Game Injury Protection: If a defenseman gets injured during the game, the team still has six healthy blueliners without having to shift a forward to defense.
- Strategic Matchups: Coaches might opt for this setup if they anticipate a highly physical game or need to counter an opponent's strong offensive attack with additional defensive presence.
- Player Availability & Skill Set: If a team has a surplus of talented defensemen or is lacking effective depth at the forward position (e.g., a fourth line that isn't contributing significantly), adjusting the roster can maximize their available talent.
Implications for Play
Running a 7-11 lineup has various implications for how a team plays:
- Forwards: With only 11 forwards, one less forward line is available. This often means:
- Increased Ice Time: Top-line and second-line forwards will typically see a significant increase in their shifts and overall ice time.
- Line Shuffling: Coaches may frequently shuffle lines or double-shift top players to maintain offensive pressure and manage fatigue.
- Pressure on Top Talent: More offensive responsibility falls on the elite forwards.
- Defensemen: The seventh defenseman typically rotates through the pairings, taking shifts with various partners. They might be used in specific situations, such as:
- Rotational Depth: Providing rest for other defensemen.
- Situational Play: Coming in for defensive zone face-offs, power plays, or penalty kills.
- Physicality: Being deployed when a more physical presence is needed on the ice.
While the 7-11 scheme offers flexibility and injury protection, it can also disrupt offensive flow due to fewer consistent forward lines. However, it remains a valuable tactical tool for teams navigating roster challenges or seeking to bolster their defensive core.
