Basic HTML Version
[132]
Pressured cut ins
This is a common game situation at all levels of hockey. Take a close look at
the following items:
1) The attacker has significant backside pressure
2) His head his down with a split focus on the puck
3) His stick is "closed" meaning that his stick blade is square to the side
boards, not the goalie.
4) There is a really small "gate" for the attacker to pull the puck through to
the other side.
Strategies to play this and things to avoid:
a) This is a classic place where you will see stick shyness. Many modern
goalies will not use their stick here in a classic, high success place.
b) Many goalies will lose depth and allow the gate to the far side of the net
to open.
c) If the blocker gets locked on the pad a quick lateral puck adjustment
towards the far side we see the attacker able to slide the "excuse -me" slider
back through the 5 hole.
!
Be aggressive in this situation with a standing or butterfly poke check.
If he somehow gets across, missing your poke check rely on your knee drive
and strong butterfly slide to seal off the player. As well, be sure you don't
play this passive depth wise and open up a gate that doesn't need to be
there.