Thatcher Demko ProRead 2
With Thatcher Demko
Identifying Dangerous Pockets on In-Zone Plays
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Thatcher Demko emerged as one of the NHL’s top goalies last season, and while he’s currently out with a lower-body injury that also slowed his start to this season, the time off provided an unexpected chance to sit down with the Vancouver Canucks star for his first Pro Reads.
Demko walked us through video breakdowns for close to an hour and did not disappoint in his ability and willingness to explain how he sees the game unfold in front of him, and how he chooses his depth, save selections and post integrations based on a variety of factors.
We enjoyed our video session so much with Demko that after sharing his debut last week, we decided to go back-to-back and roll out his second breakdown right away.
THE SCENARIO
After starting with an odd-man rush, Demko has to sort out an in-zone sequence against the Chicago Blackhawks and fellow American Patrick Kane in his second breakdown:
As the puck is passed down to Kane in the corner in the freeze frame above, can you identify the biggest threats on the ice? What makes them the most dangerous?
Look at this second freeze frame above and ask yourself the same questions.
Perhaps just as importantly, what players are less of a threat and why?
Where do you think Kane is sending this puck?
THE SAVE
Now watch the entire sequence to see if this played out as you expected:
Beyond reading the threats and whether the play transpired as anticipated, what stood out to you about the way Demko came across his crease? What do you make of his decision to target the post going side to side rather than maybe pushing outside and past it?
What factors do you think go into that decision?
THE PRO READ
Let’s hear how Demko initially read the threats, and what he thought of how he handled this:
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- Demko breaks down his save on a Patrick Kane in-zone sequence for the Chicago Blackhawks, including a lateral crease movement and post integration decision.
- Demko explains he identifies dangerous areas on the ice rather than tracking individual attackers — a recurring theme across his breakdowns.
- Demko describes targeting the post when moving side to side across the crease rather than pushing outside and past it, driven by specific situational factors he reads during the sequence.
More Thatcher Demko on InGoal
Thatcher Demko ProRead 1
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Four Times Rotation added to Game Day Routine by Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko
Pro Drills with Canucks Demko, Martin and Silovs
Pro Tips with Thatcher Demko: Toe Ties
InGoal Radio Episode 136 with Thatcher Demko
ProTips: Thatcher Demko and the Vancouver Canucks Warm-Up Routine
Demko predicted his pro path at age 13
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