Braden Holtby ProRead 9
With Braden Holtby
Setting Up Outside Post on Wide-Angle Breakaway
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With the Stanley Cup Playoffs fully underway, we were reminded that we still have a couple Pro Reads left to unveil with Braden Holtby, one of three Cup winners we’ve featured.
Holtby may have retired from the NHL ahead of this season but it would be silly to waste any insights from our lengthy in-person video session during the Vezina Trophy-winner.
THE SCENARIO
After more of a straight-on breakaway last time, Holtby is facing a potential 2-on-0 against the Columbus Blue Jackets this time, with Patrik Laine cutting in on more of an angle:
As Laine corals that puck atop the top of the right face-off circle, what factors are you considering in terms of pass or shooting? Any thoughts on how Holtby sets up?
Less than a second later, ask yourself the same questions as Holtby squares up on Laine?
What do you make of Holtby being almost outside that short-side post?
Are you thinking pass, shot or deke at this point? Why?
THE SAVE
Of course, speed matters on a chance like this, so look at the entire sequence:
THE PRO READ
Now let’s listen in on Holtby’s keys to managing this 2-on-0.
Watch Braden Holtby break down the full video for you
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- Holtby breaks down his save on a 2-on-0 with Patrik Laine cutting in from the right face-off circle against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Holtby intentionally overplays the short side because a shooter with Laine's stick curve can elevate the puck there quickly, while a far-side pass and shot look similar enough that he can push into either.
- On the lateral crease push, Holtby commits fully only once he reads that Laine is not shooting, allowing him to direct maximum effort into the cross-crease movement.
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