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Looking Off the Puck / Advanced Centering Passes
! Fundamental level goaltenders are very puck focused and rarely look around
at other players. Full concentration on the puck is crucial for the developing goalie
but as the game quickens the Elite goalie must learn to implement this advanced
technique.
"Looking Off the Puck" simply means taking in various important visual cues
away from the puck in brief non-dangerous moments. These glimpses allow the
goaltender to intelligently anticipate potential attacks and identify dangerous
players.
A prime example of "looking off the puck" occurs when the line rush develops
in the neutral zone. The pro goaltender will quickly glance at all the players
involved and assess whether threats like drop passes, back door passes or cut ins
are likely. Once the play has set up in the defensive zone there are key situations
when a goaltender should look off the puck. Sideboard or corner puck battles allow
the goaltender a chance to see if some crafty player is open out front.
Most saves on centering pass one timers are the result of fore knowledge on
the part of the elite goaltender. Knowing generally where the man is and what hand
he is can be learned with these quick looks to the slot. On a penalty kill subtly
looking off the puck as it moves around the perimeter will allow accurate prediction
of cross crease or cross box passes.
Almost every game played at the pro level will provide an example of a goal
scored as a result of a centering pass. They are dangerous plays to be sure, but if
a few key tactics are employed we can shift the margin of success to the goalie.
A)
Quick looks
! Knowing who is open, where he is and what hand he is allows the goaltender
to get a mental jump on the save. If these quick looks indicate a centering pass is
imminent bring your close post arm inside the post in preparation for your
explosive challenge.
B) Which Hand?
Your explosive challenge off the post needs to be targeted at the stick side of the
opponent otherwise you'll leave massive amounts of net available.