When watching the hockey highlights late at night it is often goaltenders desperate saves that make the highlights, if any saves at all.  Desperate saves are what make the fans “ooh and ahhh” but that does not mean goaltenders should be happy to make those desperate saves.  Sure, goaltenders do not want the puck to hit the opening in that 4x6 frame and they will do anything to stop the puck from doing so. However goaltenders, parents and coaches must understand what reasons and situations were in effect that put the goaltender in a position to make a desperate save.

There are usually a number of scenarios that can occur to induce a desperate/instinctive save attempt.  The following are six possible reasons why the goaltender had to become desperate. 

1.      Goaltender is not on angle   (Please read Finding the Fundamental Save Position (FSP) Article) 

The goaltender must accomplish three things, at the same time, to truly be on angle. 

Be on Centre of the Net The most important aspect a goaltender needs to begin to play a simple, more effective game. The goalie that plays a “centre of the net” approach will face less shots

Be Square to the Puck. Gloves, knees, and toes, are all facing the puck when the shot is taken. 

Find Proper Depth for the Situation The closer to the puck the less space the puck will see, how the goaltender moves off the goal line to take away any available space from the puck. 

A well-positioned goaltender will create more missed shots.  The less the puck sees the more accurate the shot must be.  The more a goalie can find middle of the net and stay square to the puck.

2.    A poorly controlled rebound  

Poor rebound control is generally the number one cause for making a desperation stop.  An example may be a poorly controlled rebound on a two-on-one that goes directly onto the stick of the open attacker.  Often the rebound will move too quickly to be able to come across efficiently and smoothly. 

       3.     A deflection has occurred  

Deflections can also be a cause for needing an instinctive response.  Deflections that go from low blocker side to high glove may elicit a wild glove save that is not the essence of compact.  Another scenario is generated off of a point shot where, because of a screen, the goalie has not seen the puck thus producing an awkward rebound.  Again, a point shot can produce a deflection, this time to an open attacker, while the goalie has been locked into a down position due to traffic in front of the net. 

4.    The goaltender has committed too early  

A three-on-one has occurred and the goalie has made a butterfly slide to the low attacker on the right, who has just received a pass, who has just made a pass back to the high attacker.  Once that pass back has occurred there could be trouble followed by an instinctive save attempt.  What about the scenario where a goalie has used a two-pad stack only to have the attacker hold onto the puck longer than expected?  A missed poke check, or falling for the fake shot on a breakaway can also spell trouble. 

5.    The goaltender or a teammate has misplayed the puck  

What happens if the goalie races into the corner to play the puck and accidentally make a pass to an open attacker?  The defenseman is trying to breakout but serves up a gorgeous pass for a streaking attacker?  What if the puck is rimmed high on the glass, hits a partition, and bounces to an opposing forward?  The answer to any of these situations may be desperate. 

6.     The goaltender has been interfered with  

The goaltender is trying to see the puck and an attacker slough foots the goalie causing them to be off balance or possibly fall over.  It is late in the game and a sixth attacker is pushing their rear right into the goaltender’s face; again the goalie may lose balance.  Although the first instinct may be to hack, slash, and throw a hissy fit, the practiced reaction will become an attitude that no matter what the opposition does the puck will not enter the goal.

Now that we have clearly established the six reasons why a desperate/instinctive response is needed we must now examine what an attacker will do when they have the goaltender in a vulnerable position. 

1. Forwards will shoot for the “Meat of the Net”  

When a forward sees a yawning cage in front of them they get nervous and anxious.  Since forwards are already anxious they are not interested in missing the net, especially under pressure.  The first place the forward will try to hit is the “meat of the net”.  The “meat of the net” is approximately one foot off the ice, one foot below the cross bar, and one foot inside each post.  “Meat of the net” is basically the easiest and most sure place to score a goal.  Covering the “meat of the net” is a good place to start a desperation save.

2. Forwards are lazy  

How many times have we seen a forward, who has almost the entire net to shoot at, just try to slide the puck into the open net only to get robbed by a stick on the ice?  When forwards see a gaping cage they want to put the puck in the quickest and easiest way possible, which is usually by sliding it into the net.  It is because forwards are lazy that the goalie will cover low first. 

3. Attackers are not always aware of the time available  

Another instinct for attacking players is to get rid of the puck ASAP.  If an opposing player has an open net to shoot at they will often shoot the puck instinctively even if they have the time to place their shot.  It is the rare few players who are patient enough to take the time they have earned and turn a situation into an easy goal.  Although the patient goal scorers are few and far between goaltenders must be aware that these players are stoppable as well, it just takes a little bit of strategy. 

4. The opposition does not always know how to look for available space  

Many times a forward is unaware of how the shooter’s illusion works or know how to identify when a goalie is off angle.  If the goalie can identify openings in their own position then they should be able to quickly cover the hole that was unintentionally made available to the shooter.  

Now that we have examined the reasons why a desperation save may be needed as well as what forwards tend to do when the goaltender is at their mercy it is time to discuss strategies for making a desperation save.  Below are some strategies for making that game saving stop. 

1. Build from the bottom up  

The same strategy for playing passing plays works for making desperation save.  The goaltender wants to seal the ice first then add vertical coverage.  Sealing the ice can be done with the pad(s), trapper, stick, arm, and an out stretched body.  Often desperation save will build momentum that will automatically cover low first.  Remember: forwards are lazy and will look to make the easy plays first.  What is easier then sliding the puck on the ice?   

2. Proximity is a valuable weapon  

The basics of playing the angles states that the closer the goalie gets to the puck the less net is available to hit.  No matter how much net the forward thinks is available the only perspective that counts is the puck’s perspective.  If at all possible push any available equipment towards the puck.  The closer a piece of equipment is to the puck the less vertical coverage is required. 

3. Show a target  

If the goaltender is stuck in a sprawled position on the ice they should make sure not to wave the arms wildly.  One of the best strategies is to present a target, such as an open glove, for the forward to look at.  If a forward is sucked into looking at the open trapper they are more likely to shoot the puck right at the target presented.  Hockey players will put the puck where they are looking. 

4.  Rotate the body while down 

Sometimes a goalie is required to rotate the body in some manner.  If the goalie falls on their butt they may have to rotate to the side to build from the bottom up.  Rotation can give more reach or can create proximity.  The Hasek Roll is based on body rotation that builds from the bottom up. Rotation requires excellent core flexibility and strength.  

5.  DO NOT GIVE UP!!  

No matter what, the goaltender should never give up.  Keep an eye on the puck at all times and get something in the way of the puck.  A team is more likely to play hard in front of a goalie that has a “never say die” attitude. 

To finish off this article we will examine some specific save movements that a goalie can use in their arsenal of weapons. 

1. The Two Pad Stack  

Although MTN does not do much with pad stacks it is still a valuable weapon.  The pad stack requires the goaltender to lay on their side with the pads stacked on top of each other.  The trailing arm forms an L, sealing the ice, which should be used to block passes or a player continuing with the puck.  The arm that is not on the ice, of course, is stacked on top of the pads.  The goalie should be strong enough to raise the leg and arm if needed.  The biggest drawback to the pad stack is the lack of slide control and lack of rebound control. 

2. The Hasek Rollover  

Domink Hasek has revolutionized goaltending with his rollover, an extension of the two-pad stack.  The rollover requires the goalie to rotate the shoulder of the top arm until it seals the ice behind the head.  After the arm seals the ice the goalie swings the stacked pads over to build vertical coverage on the other side of the net.  This move makes it hard to see the puck all of the way. 

3. The Spread Eagle

If the goalie ends up on their butt it is best to sit up straight and spread the legs as far apart as possible, again sealing the ice.  Keep the gloves up.  Remember to present a target.  If necessary the goaltender can drop their stick to allow for quicker arm movements.  DO NOT THROW THE STICK.  Some pads may not seal to the ice from a sitting position; use the stick to seal low. 

4. The Leg Drag  

The leg drag was a popular move in the 80’s and early 90’s pioneered by Ron Hextall, Bill Ranford, and Kirk McLean.  The leg drag is used when the goalie is late getting across on a quick passing play.  This move requires the goalie to let the back leg of the t-push to drag behind in case of a low shot to the opposite side or if the player tries to take the puck in the opposite direction.  This move can lead easily into a pad stack.  Unfortunately this move does not seal the ice well, stick placement is key.  This move also creates a lot of momentum that is hard to stop if needed. 

5. The Head First Dive  

If all else fails dive headfirst.  Cover the ice then build vertical coverage with outstretched arms.  This is a high-risk move but may save the goaltender and team once in a while. 

To conclude, the most important thing to remember is… NEVER GIVE UP!!