Hockey Prompt:

I think it's a combination of factors. First of all, I think it's a coach thing. Let's take the exact opposite situation: empty net plays. Like the simplest thing in the world. Some coaches hate when their players take shots at the net and risk icing. Some coaches say "go for it." I think it's kind of the same thing: if a player could attempt a "trick play" like a lacrosse move with a high risk of failure, some coaches will probably tell them not to try it. They would prefer if their players make the less risky play. 

A second factor that goes into it is definitely skill. Most players can't do those tricks while playing at the speed the game is played. It's only the most skilled that even consider it, but oftentimes a better play presents itself. I obviously don't know, but I feel like the skilledplayers have super quick calculations in their heads like poker players where they know what chance of success something will happen as it unfolds. If they don't want o risk it, they'll hang back and if the opening is there, they may take it.

The last factor is ego/ revengeful people that get embarrassed by skill. See Jay Beagle. Nobody wants to get assaulted because they try it. 

(217 WC)