Offensive zone entry is key to generating good scoring changes. After all, how can you expect to score if you can't control the puck in the offensive zone?
It's not just about whether or not you enter the zone, but also how you do it. Depending on how much support the offense has, and how many defenders are protecting their zone, attacking players have a few different options to get into the offensive zone effectively.
Dump-In Entries:
Cross-Ice Dump - This play is more effective when a player has offensive support. The puck carrier will dump the puck into the zone at the blue line, it bounces off the boards about half way between the net and the side boards, and heads in the direction of the offensive support coming down the other side.