Jonathan Bernier Pro-Read 4: Depth management and a goal line stand
With Jonathan Bernier
Bernier shows tremendous poise, balance and compete in battling in the last seconds with the Dallas goaltender pulled for an extra attacker.
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This is our fourth Pro-Read featuring Jonathan Bernier, but it could probably count as two as the Detroit Red Wings goalie breaks down two separate elements while reviewing this video against the Dallas Stars: depth management in traffic and recovering in a scramble.
Bernier actually does his break down in reverse order in his Pro Read video below, starting with the scramble in tight and then looking back at the longer shot through traffic that created it, but for the sake of this review we’ll start in the order that events occurred.
The Scenario
Let’s start with the initial depth decision on the shot that leads to the scramble, but as you take a look at the photo below it’s worth noting Bernier had already made one tough save from close range in this sequence, and that this next shot came after that rebound went behind the net and was quickly batted back up into the high slot to create this chance:
Take a look at the photo above, where the shot is originating, passing options, and think about where you’d like to set up in the crease. What do you think of Bernier’s depth here?
The Save
From here, the play quickly turns into a scramble as the rebound spits out to Bernier’s right.
With the chance for a quick second shot, Bernier reaches out instinctively with his leg, and puts himself off balance. But rather than another freeze frame photo for you to consider, let’s take a look at the entire sequence, paying close attention to what Bernier does once he recognizes that quick rebound shot isn’t coming as a result of a nice play by his defenseman. Watch how he gets back over his knees, and the incredible save it allows him to make next:
Looking back at the sequence again, does it change your mind about the initial decision on depth? If Bernier is further out, does the redirected initial shot still hit him? Would he have time to recover, or would a reach be enough, for that second chance?
Interestingly, Bernier himself wasn’t happy with where he ended up. As you’ll hear in his video review session of the play below, he’s like a do-over on his depth, though his long discussion on the subject brings up some interesting points on whether more really is necessary.
The Pro-Read
Before Bernier gets to that talk about his positioning, however, he starts with his reaction to the scramble, including the tendency to end up on our backsides, and why recovering back to his knees is so important as a guideline to good goaltending, and not just crucial to this save:
Still ahead in this article:
Bernier names the exact moment he stops scrambling and makes a decision — and without it, the save at the end of the sequence doesn't happen.
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