Fundamental-level goaltenders are very puck-focused and rarely look around at other players.
Full concentration on the puck is crucial for the developing goalie but as the game quickens, the Elite goalie must learn to implement this advanced technique.
“Looking Off the Puck” simply means taking in various important visual cues away from the puck in brief non-dangerous moments. These glimpses allow the goaltender to intelligently anticipate potential attacks and identify dangerous players.
A prime example of “looking off the puck” occurs when the line rush develops in the neutral zone. The pro goaltender will quickly glance at all the players involved and assess whether threats like drop passes, back door passes, or cut-ins are likely. Once the play has set up in the defensive zone, there are key situations when a goaltender should look off the puck.
Sideboard or corner puck battles allow the goaltender a chance to see if some crafty player is open out front.
Most saves on centering-pass one-timers are the result of foreknowledge on the part of the elite goaltender. Knowing generally where the man is and what hand he is can be learned with these quick looks to the slot. On a penalty kill, subtly looking off the puck as it moves around the perimeter will allow accurate prediction of cross-crease or cross-box passes.
Almost every game played at the pro level will provide an example of a goal scored as a result of a centering pass. They are dangerous plays to be sure, but if a few key tactics are employed we can shift the margin of success to the goalie.
Quick Looks
Knowing who is open, where he is, and what hand he is allows the goaltender to get a mental jump on the save. If these quick looks indicate a centering pass is imminent, bring your close post arm inside the post in preparation for your explosive challenge.
Which Hand?
Your explosive challenge off the post needs to be targeted at the stick side of the opponent otherwise you’ll leave massive amounts of net available.
Pass Prevention
If the puck never makes it to the man in front, he can’t score. Break up all tight passes and every once and a while, try to suck the man in by pulling your stick out of the passing lane. A flat pass can now be easily intercepted.
Angle Hesitation
Only the best goalies in the world exhibit this strategy effectively. Instead of exploding out dead in the middle of the angle, explode out holding to the short side of the angle. In the instant, the shooter assesses the open space and he won’t realize you are baiting him into that open side.
When done correctly, it won’t occur to him that you purposely did it and you’ll be able to slam the door upon release.
Assessing the pass
The quality of the centering pass will dictate what the man in front will likely attempt. If the pass is bouncing or deflected slightly, the man in front will need to corral it first before he can hammer it.
On a pass in his feet or closer to his backhand, a one-timer is highly unlikely.
Of course, a firm flat pass in his wheelhouse will be pounded on net with contempt. |