Frederik Andersen Pro Read #6
Andersen breaks down a "slap pass" and how he prepared for both options from the point.
The #1 goalie vision & cognitive training tool trusted by over 50 NHL & AHL goalies.
“Vizual Edge has added a quality element to my preparation as a goaltender. I use the game day drills every game before heading to the rink. It’s a combination of recognition, reaction and focus that activates my brain and eyes to feel ready for what’s to come.” — Jordan Binnington
Save 10% on Vizual Edge monthly and annual plans using code INGOAL at check out! (InGoal Members receive a 20% discount – why not join today? )
Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen was one of the first goalies to sit down with InGoal in-season for Pro Reads but before we could finish reviewing the video we’d prepared, we got another submission in a text message from Toronto goaltending coach Steve Briere.
It was a welcomed addition to our post-practice video review session, not only because it came directly from the coach (seriously, how cool has this project been?) and highlighted a sequence from two days earlier, but as Premium Members have come to appreciate, it means we get so share more insights from a goalie who has been so generous and open with them.
The Scenario
This play starts with a board battle in the corner to Andersen’s right, and then-St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo alone at the left point. As the puck comes out of the corner towards a wide-open Pietrangelo moves down to the top of the face-off circle, what are some of the key details you would want to take note of as a goaltender?
Based on what you can see above, what kind of depth would you consider ideal for Andersen as Pietrangelo skates into that cross-ice pass with no Toronto players near him?
Is your first instinct to step out and challenge the skilled defenseman?
Would the top of the crease be enough, or do you consider taking even more ice?
Would it surprise you to know Andersen doesn’t even get to the edge of his crease?
The Save
Let’s look at the entire sequence to see where Andersen ends up, and more importantly why.
Watch Andersen closely as that puck comes across to see what he does.
Did you see what allowed Andersen to limit how much ice he took, giving himself a chance to make a tough backdoor deflection look relatively easy considering Pietrangelo could have chosen to load up from that range instead?
The Pro-Read
Now let’s listen to Andersen’s breakdown:
Watch Freddie Andersen break down the full video for you
Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.
15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource
Already a member? Log in
Think you're seeing this in error? Contact support
Looking for a goalie coach?
Browse coaches in our directory — powerful search tools, contact coaches directly.
- Andersen breaks down his save on Alex Pietrangelo's cross-ice opportunity, where a board battle in the corner triggered a wide-open look for the Blues defenseman at the top of the face-off circle.
- Andersen held his depth inside the crease rather than stepping out to challenge Pietrangelo, a deliberate positioning choice that gave him room to handle a backdoor deflection.
- A quick glance back to the corner as the puck moved cross-ice gave Andersen the early read he needed to set his position before Pietrangelo could choose to load up and shoot.
Comments
Let's talk goaltending!
We welcome your contribution to the comments on this and all articles at InGoal. We ask that you keep it positive and appropriate for all — this is a community of goaltenders and we're here for each other! See our comment policy for more information.
You must be logged in to view and post comments.