Getting pucks through traffic and on net is an essential part of scoring in the NHL, and it's also a difficult task.
Players do a pretty good job clogging shooting lanes and putting their bodies on the line to block shots before they reach the goaltender.
Boston Bruins defensemen have had trouble throughout the season getting pucks through to the net, and they found a creative way to address it during Wednesday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena.
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The B's used hilarious mannequins -- fully equipped with a black practice jersey, a helmet and a stick -- to apply pressure on defensemen trying to shoot.
Check out the scene in the following video from NBC Sports Boston's "The Camera Guys":
Given the physical toll blocking shots takes on your body, it makes a lot sense to use mannequins instead of actual players to simulate pressure on shooters during practice.
The timing of this drill makes sense, too. The Bruins will host the New York Islanders at TD Garden on Thursday night, and the Isles allow the fourth-fewest shots on net per game.