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Envitro · 02-14-2013, 11:30 AM

I am not very high on him as a potential NHL starter. Yes, he still has potential but his game has some serious deficiencies. As a goalie myself I tend to be self-critical and therefore overly analytical of NHL goaltenders.

Here's my take:
1. He over-commits on shots and ends up being out of position by about 10-15%, leaving too much net to shoot at positionally speaking. However, a lot of times his foot-speed, reflexes, and general athleticism take over and allow him to somewhat recover
2. He seems too jittery and over-energetic. Maybe it's nerves but it's also immaturity in the position. I know in the past many goaltending coaches/theorists have advocated the principle of "energy conservation" (i.e. move the least amount to be in the perfect spot therefore conserving energy and reduce muscle fatigue for later in the game when you will need it the most)
It could be that he has an abundance of energy due to his age/stamina/fitness/genetics or whatever, but solving this issue would most likely solve the issue of over-comitting on shots as mentioned in point #1
3. He has very good hand-eye and his glove hand is strong. He has also made a lot of very nice saves with his blocker. One downside is his rebound control and a lot of shots end up sitting in prime, high-percentage areas such as the slot. He needs to be better at getting rebounds to go to the corners or towards his d-men (I know, not always possible but when possible make the play)

5. On breakaways/Shootouts he commits too early and bites on the first fake. Yeah, just needs more experience/practice to get that out of his system. Nothing too mind-blowing but just a matter of getting that part out of his game. Kipper got better in SO's so why can't he?

There are a bunch more but I think my biggest point to make is that he has loads of natural talent and potential, but just needs more time to mature. He deserves the opportunity that he has in front of him.

We have been very spoiled with Kipper. He has been a very calm, well-demeanored goalie that is smart, extremely athletic and has a certain body language to his game. It's unfair to compare Leland to one of the best that has ever played the position (not in Calgary but anywhere).

He just has to get more solid. If he fixes #1 & 2 he will be just fine.

02-14-2013, 11:30 AM	#64
Envitro First Line Centre Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Saddledome, Calgary Exp:	I am not very high on him as a potential NHL starter. Yes, he still has potential but his game has some serious deficiencies. As a goalie myself I tend to be self-critical and therefore overly analytical of NHL goaltenders. Here's my take: 1. He over-commits on shots and ends up being out of position by about 10-15%, leaving too much net to shoot at positionally speaking. However, a lot of times his foot-speed, reflexes, and general athleticism take over and allow him to somewhat recover 2. He seems too jittery and over-energetic. Maybe it's nerves but it's also immaturity in the position. I know in the past many goaltending coaches/theorists have advocated the principle of "energy conservation" (i.e. move the least amount to be in the perfect spot therefore conserving energy and reduce muscle fatigue for later in the game when you will need it the most) It could be that he has an abundance of energy due to his age/stamina/fitness/genetics or whatever, but solving this issue would most likely solve the issue of over-comitting on shots as mentioned in point #1 3. He has very good hand-eye and his glove hand is strong. He has also made a lot of very nice saves with his blocker. One downside is his rebound control and a lot of shots end up sitting in prime, high-percentage areas such as the slot. He needs to be better at getting rebounds to go to the corners or towards his d-men (I know, not always possible but when possible make the play) 5. On breakaways/Shootouts he commits too early and bites on the first fake. Yeah, just needs more experience/practice to get that out of his system. Nothing too mind-blowing but just a matter of getting that part out of his game. Kipper got better in SO's so why can't he? There are a bunch more but I think my biggest point to make is that he has loads of natural talent and potential, but just needs more time to mature. He deserves the opportunity that he has in front of him. We have been very spoiled with Kipper. He has been a very calm, well-demeanored goalie that is smart, extremely athletic and has a certain body language to his game. It's unfair to compare Leland to one of the best that has ever played the position (not in Calgary but anywhere). He just has to get more solid. If he fixes #1 & 2 he will be just fine.