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.
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.
The Reach Back
This tactic is usally coupled with a rotation of the body while down. The reach back involves laying the blocker arm and stick or the trapper arm along the ice to give extra reach in a last second attempt to thwart an attack. Again, this save selection involves covering the ice first with a possible stacking of the other arm on top to create vertical coverage.
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.
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.
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.
See attached pictures below
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!!