Quote:
Originally Posted by Split98
Gaudreau. Wow.
We haven't had a PPG player like him in a while... and have we ever had 3 following closely behind?
Rittich was great in the 2nd, but the book is out to shoot corners. Will be interesting to see how he learns from tonight, as outside of those he was solid. Those are goals we'd roast Smith for though (and did), so this is a huge test for him as a starter.
Having Chicago's number is a very good feeling.
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Is there a goalie for whom this isn't the book?
The way to play goal in the NHL is to be square to the play as much as possible, and play the percentages. A large portion of saves are simply positional (not reactive). Part of that is covering the lower part of the net. There is very little time and space in the NHL, so if the goalie stays square (to cover as much net as possible) and covers the ice from post to post, they maximize their likelihood of success.
That's step 1, as it were. Next is quickness, and being able to move post to post quickly and efficiently (without losing positioning). Rittich is elite in his ability to move and remain square and in control.
That is the best way to play goal these days it seems. And the way to score on a good positional goalie is to pick the corners.
I don't know if that is a book, so much as it is simply the only available choice: good goalie requires a well placed shot to score.