GDI Tactical Review: Read and React

As the game has evolved into a more dramatic and fast paced tempo, goaltenders have elevated towards a strategic mentality of processing each in zone transition.

A goalies ability to read and react to each play is a unique essence of being aware constantly. Off the rush, a quick pass happens within a split second, along with the opportunity of an open player to fire the puck on net. The acquisition of a goaltender reading the approach of a zone entry and reading the in zone threats as they approach is one key to providing a team with consistent and reliable goaltending.

Take note:

A) Early Ice Awareness. As the rush hits the opposing teams blue line the goaltender should be beginning to establish their depth along with their up ice awareness as the rush transitions through the neutral zone into an in zone attack. This maturity leads to depth management that positively impacts a goaltenders performance on the games flow, attack awareness, and puckhandling.

B) Positional Speed. Constant repetition over numerous movements patterns and practice tactical approaches helps lead to proper speed upon pass options. Due to being aware early, positional body adjustments can be made to enhance speed and movement as a mode of transportation to a new position.

C) Zone awareness. Specific areas of the ice allow a goaltender to respond with more time. On the other hand, there are certain areas that limit a goaltenders response time and force a pressured instinctive approach. Early eyes helps a goaltender develop technical adjustments towards how they will respond to each situation. For example, this may depend on what handedness and angle of approach the shooter has on net.

With the Detroit and Nashville game providing a close Western league battle with Detroit coming out on top 4 - 3 in OT, goaltender Jimmy Howard kept the game dead locked at three with a great athletic - read and react sequence that held Detroit in the last 10 minutes of the game.

GDI Tactical Review: Read and React