From a technical standpoint, Elliott is a much better goaltender than Johnson.
My armchair analysis:
Elliott (the good): Good size, exceptionally mobile with terrific reflexes, decent puck handler, good glove hand. Ability to play aggressively and get to the post quickly. One of the better goalies in the league at finding and covering the puck... a very underrated skill set.
Elliott (the bad): Over aggressiveness in poor situations leads him to follow the shooters body instead of the release (I wonder if he's even gambling a bit). Very aggressive positioning of blocker hand which allows a big humangous opening in the underarm blocker side. These two things are KILLING him right now. They are also opening up other weaknesses in his game that I feel typically aren't weaknesses (i.e. weird rebounds, late glove hand).
Johnson (the good): Positionally nearly perfect and reads shooters well. Seals his five hole consistently, and generally difficult to beat down low. Has a rare skill to stay very upright with upper body when going down in the butterfly even when sliding. It's very difficult to do and this is why pucks die when the puck hits his chest. Excellent at getting to his post (then again, with his lack of mobility, he really has no choice).
Johnson (the bad): Poor mobility. His positioning makes up for some of it but basically has zero ability to play further than half a foot outside his crease. He can and will be beat up high. Get him constantly moving side-to-side-to-side and he will struggle. This is why his numbers are coming down, I'm noticing teams adjust, moving the puck more, and going upstairs. Terribad puck handler.
Anyways, Elliott is by far the more dynamic goaltender and has shown it in the past. He's basically a B/B+ version of Cory Schneider. Johnson is a C+ version of Luongo. Any hope of the Flames getting into the playoffs and excelling still rides on Elliott getting his effing game in gear IMO. Would love to hear from other beer league goaltenders' perspectives.
|