Jake Allen Pro-Read 8
With Jake Allen
Bonus ProRead with Allen in St. Louis ahead of our first with him in a Montreal uniform
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? )
We’ve been promising fresh Pro Reads featuring Jake Allen in his Montreal Canadiens uniform, and it’s coming this week, possibly soon enough to do a bonus Pro Reads within a few days.
That said, we didn’t want to waste any of the video breakdown session we did with Allen shortly before his trade to Montreal, especially since they’ve been among our most insightful and informative to date. So rather than wait to go over saves with his new team, we decided to roll out our last one in a St. Louis Blues uniform in the hopes we can deliver two this week.
The Scenario
Allen is facing a power play against the Nashville Predators, and a quick pass from Ryan Johansen at the top of the face-off circle to Matt Duchene down near the goal line:
What about think of Allen’s decision to drop into the RVH at this point?
Do you think the fact Duchene is a left-handed shot matters?
What other threats can you identify?
With Duchene drifting down below the goal line immediately after receiving the pass, does your opinion on Allen’s decision to use reverse-VH change at all?
Has the primary threat changed?
THE SAVE
Now let’s take a look at the entire sequence on video to see what happened, and whether any of it affects your opinion on the way that Allen played this power play opportunity:
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.
- Jake Allen breaks down his RVH save against the Nashville Predators on a power play, with a pass from Ryan Johansen to Matt Duchene drifting below the goal line.
- Allen admitted he would have preferred to be on his skates as Duchene moved below the goal line and out of a shooting position, but explains the specific reason he was already committed to the reverse-VH.
- The sequence illustrates that goaltenders sometimes get locked into a technique position they may not prefer due to earlier read decisions — and that managing that reality is part of high-level goaltending.
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.