Elvis Merzlikins Pro-Reads 1
With Elvis Merzlikins
Poke Check and Post Play with Options
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Everyone who listened to our interview with Elvis Merzlikins on the InGoal Radio Podcast last summer told us they immediately became a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets No.1 goalie.
It’s hard not to like the affable Latvian puck-stopper. He’s open, honest and insightful, with an infectious love of life and passion for the position he plays so well that shines through.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn Merzlikins might be equally compelling in this Pro Reads format, and that’s exactly what we discovered sitting down to watch video this week.
Getting to do this film session in person with Merzlikins made it even better, and we know our Premium members will enjoy this live session as much as they did his podcast interview.
THE SCENARIO
Our first Pro Reads with Merzlikins is a two-parter, starting with a one-on-one rush with speed against the Nashville Predators, and continuing with a behind-the-net play and pass out.
Taking a look at the first part of this breakdown, with Predators forward Philip Tomasino cutting around the Columbus defender, what do you notice that might influence how you would play this? Any thoughts on Merzlikins’ depth in what can be a tough situation for goalies?
Taking a look at the first part of this breakdown, with Predators forward Philip Tomasino cutting around the Columbus defender, what do you notice that might influence how you would play this? Any thoughts on Merzlikins’ depth in what can be a tough situation for goalie
THE SAVE
Now let’s watch the entire sequence and see if you can spot any other information about these two chances and the way they play out that might affect your reads.
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- Merzlikins breaks down his saves on a one-on-one rush and a behind-the-net pass-out against Nashville Predators forward Philip Tomasino.
- Depth positioning is a critical decision point on one-on-one rushes with speed, particularly when a forward cuts around a defender.
- Anticipating the second chance off a behind-the-net play requires early reads before the puck emerges from behind the goal line.
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