Thatcher Demko ProRead 3

THE SCENARIO

After starting with an odd-man rush and tough in-zone sequence against fellow American Patrick Kane in his first two Pro Reads, this time Demko is facing what some might see as a simple one-on-one rush against Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann:

It may not look like much to a lot of people, but as McCann, who can really shoot the puck, cuts back into the middle of the ice with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson apparently caught going the other way, goalies know this can be a tough play. Demko agreed, so we broke it down.

Looking at the freeze frame above, what do you notice about his positioning and stance?

THE SAVE

Now watch the entire sequence, since speed is such an important factor on rush chances.

See if you can identify anything from McCann that indicates his intention, or notice anything about the way Demko moves and adjusts as this play develops.

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: