Unmasked: More shots the better for NHL goalies
Although it makes sense that facing 20 shots should be easier than trying to stop 35, most NHL goaltenders will tell you that isn't necessarily the case.
"I don't think you can understand unless you are a goalie, and it's easy to say, but it's true," St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen said. "Ask any goalie; it is tougher when you are getting 15 or 19 shots a game instead of 35 to 40. You get in a rhythm, you get a feel for it, you understand your game a little better, understand your system a little better. It makes everything a lot easier."
As counterintuitive as that may sound, and as difficult as it may be to quantify for a position that already gives the analytics crowd fits, the Capitals' biggest concern about Holtby early last season was how he'd adjust to seeing fewer shots behind the stingier system implemented by new coach Barry Trotz.
Goaltenders who play a more active style tend to also be more reliant on rhythm and timing, something that can be harder to find when you're not as busy.
Tightening up Holtby's movements wasn't a problem for Washington goaltending coach Mitch Korn, but adjusting to fewer shots isn't easily fixed with drills designed to re-program muscle memory. Longer periods between saves tests the muscle between the ears instead.
(NHL.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment