Frederik Andersen Pro-Read: Rush chance from Buffalo’s Skinner leads to broken play scramble
From textbook read to broken play scramble, Andersen's athleticism gives him a chance.
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This is the fourth of several Pro Reads featuring Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen.
Frederik Andersen was one of the first goaltenders to sit down with InGoal for our Pro-Reads segment and he was happy to take some time over Kevin Woodley’s laptop to review video having already been aware of the series and our goal to help goaltenders learn to read the game through the eyes of the pros.
We’ve already looked at an odd-man chance with options vs. Jeff Skinner and the Buffalo Sabres, a net drive off the rush from the Vegas Golden Knights, and making a difficult glove save in a scramble vs. the Arizona Coyotes. Today Skinner and the Sabres return to Pro-Reads with Andersen for his fourth read, one that comes with a textbook read that can be a lesson for goaltenders at all levels in the game before a scramble ensues that requires great instincts, a measured response where patience and balance lead to more frustration for Skinner.
The Scenario
Skinner (#53), who has more than 200 NHL goals to his name, has just received a long lead pass at the Toronto blue line from teammate Jake McCabe deep in his own zone. Skinner has room to walk in alone over the line on the left wing with Andersen’s only support being D-man Tyson Barrie who is caught a bit behind but manages to force Skinner to stay wide.
This is a common rush opportunity that goaltenders at all levels will see in practice and games all season long. That makes it a great opportunity to learn from a pro. What are some of the keys to playing this? Aside from Skinner himself, what other information might Andersen be taking in to select his depth (well above the blue paint) and ultimately his save? What considerations might he have to prepare for any potential second chances from the dangerous left winger?
We’ll hear from Andersen on this chance shortly but first, as we have given away that this results in a scramble, what thoughts come to mind as you see the scenario below? In what is ultimately desperation mode what can you try to do to maximize your chance at making the save while being ready for subsequent shots in the battle continues?
The Save
Now let’s take a look at the entire sequence from first save to the ongoing scramble as somehow Skinner turns this into not one but two scoring chances.
Take a moment to reflect on the play you have just seen. Perhaps even watch it again and pause it in a few places – it’s always good to reflect on what you’ve watched so that you can compare notes with Andersen when he breaks it down.
The Pro-Read
Now let’s take a look at the play through Andersen’s eyes:
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- Andersen breaks down his save on a Jeff Skinner rush chance where the Sabres forward receives a long lead pass at the Toronto blue line and walks in alone from the left wing.
- Andersen selects depth well above the blue paint on the rush, using Tyson Barrie's defensive pressure forcing Skinner wide as a key read in choosing his positioning.
- Patience and balance during the broken-play scramble are identified as the deciding factors in denying Skinner a second chance.
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