Every goalie is scored on at some point and by definition can not be perfect or there never would be a winner or a loser, and no one would pay to watch 82 games of 0-0 ties. Games couldn’t be played if we ever perfected our craft. Watching a PGA tournament with no holes cut in the greens would be anarchy.
If you could describe the attributes of a (nearly) perfect goalie, what would they be? As I commonly do, here is my top 10 list describing the “perfect goalie.”
1) Burning puck focus
From the moment of release until the play is whistled dead, this goalie never loses burning intense focus on the puck.
2) Powerful, precise movement skills
This goalie moves effortlessly with great speed, stopping and starting on a dime like a Ferrari Enzo.
3) Zero short-term memory
Bad goals, like great saves are immediately discharged from the brain and by watching this goalie post-save or post-goal you would have no visible reaction.
4) Even-keeled
Our perfect goalie doesn’t let anything affect him. Booing crowd, momentum swings, or standing ovations. Like a robot, he has no visible emotion.
5) Consistent performance
Game in, game out, nine games out of ten, you are going to get exactly what you expect from this guy – excellence.
6) Patience
Our guy lets the game come to him. He doesn’t chase the puck and is very adept at waiting out fakes and reading the play.
7) Positioning
The perfect goalie gets to where they need to be with proper depth, proper angle and proper squareness. To beat this guy, you need a perfectly placed shot.
8) Rebound control
Second chances to score on this guy are rare. Almost every shot is controlled with possession or directed out of danger to the corner.
9) Safe, subtle puckhandler
His defence loves him because he is an asset at making zone exits seamless and safe for his D.
10) Bounce back guy
Whenever a rare off night happens or a bad goal is surrendered this goalie always comes back with a stellar game or a highlight reel save.
I know there is no such goalie alive…except maybe Brodeur…but if we set standards like this for ourselves, we can get closer to the ideal.
You can contact Steve with any questions at www.futurepro.com or info@futurepro.com. |