Your hockey team has seven defensive pairs that you need to set. Defensive Pair 1-3 are the main even-strength pairs. Typically, you would place your most solid defenders on these pairs. Powerplay Pairs 1-2 are the pairs that play when you are on a powerplay (other team has players in the penalty box). You would typically want to put more offensively aware defenders on these pairs. Shorthanded Pairs 1-2 are pairs that play when your opponent has a powerplay (you have a player in the penalty box). You would want to typically put your best defenders on these pairs. Also note that you can place a player on more than one pair, but it is recommended that you do not over-play a player. This will cause him to fatigue. While we have listed some basic pair strategies here, it is up to you to step up as the head coach and find the combinations that work best for your group of players.