Wednesday night, Martin Biron proves to be the Rangers secret weapon in the shootout as his advice pays off and leads to the winning shootout goal against Carolina's Cam Ward.
How do goaltenders have such an eye for these things? Believe it or not, goalies typically have an excellent long-term memory. Whether it is watching the highlights each night, or remembering past tendencies of players, goaltenders have the keen instinctive ability to pre-judge what a players next move may be. Depending on past moves, a slight change in direction or stick movement, a goaltender can begin to read the next move as past experiences "click" to re-trigger expectations on the shooters next move. To enhance this, elite goalies now watch video before games, study shooters attempts in past games or moves in a shootout and have a set distinction of what may happen, and are now ready and prepared to perform.
On the reverse, with a memory based on shooters and how to adjust to them - who is to say that every goaltender doesn't know how to beat the next goalie. Watching Wednesday nights game as Wolski met with Biron before he went to shoot, it was clear after he scored to win the game that whatever was said, helped.
A goaltender, similar to a football team's quarterback, oversees the whole ice surface in front of them. In a 65 minute game, how can they not find points of weakness in their opponent. Especially for the professional goaltender that can stay mentally in the moment as they are in the game, content and ready, they will be aware of missed chances and close calls in the opposing teams end. The addition of also playing the position, gives every goaltender an alike mind, and a relation to strengths and weaknesses within every goaltenders game.
Now, coming down to crunch time, not sure where to shoot? Ask your teams goaltender or goalie coach. That little hint they can give you during a practice or game may make a world of a difference... and in the Ranger's case, may win you the game.
Take a look at the video clip from the game below. Also, if you need help shutting down the opposing team in breakaways/ a shootout - Click Here.
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