Thatcher Demko ProRead 7
With Thatcher Demko
When, Where, Why and How to Use Reverse
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Thatcher Demko has been exceptional his first six Pro Reads, explaining how he sees the game and chooses depth, save selections and post integrations based on a variety of factors, so we’re going back-to-back with the Vancouver Canucks No. 1 on the subject of using the Reverse.
It can be a touchy subject, with no shortage of analysts shouting “just stand up” when the use of Reverse, or Reverse-VH as others call it, plays a role in a goal going in. But that can often be because of how, when and why Reverse was used, rather than the technique itself.
“My argument to the whole Reverse thing is you get beat when you go into the butterfly. Does that mean you should never butterfly?” Demko said. “You have to play the game.”
Which is exactly what Pro Reads are all about.
THE SEQUENCE
In the first of those two parts, Demko is breaking down footage of an end-zone sequence against the New York Rangers and a cycle in the corner. You can’t see it because of the boards, but the puck is on the stick of Rangers defenseman Adam Fox in the corner at this point:
The cycle has just moved from below the goal line to Fox along the wall at this point, so what do you make of Demko still being in his Reverse here? What reasons would you list for staying down on the post? Can you come up with any for getting back up to your feet here?
Who is the biggest threat? Is it still Fox, a Norris Trophy winner? Or is it someone else?
THE SAVE(S)
Now watch the entire sequence and ask yourself the same questions:
Does his use of a Reverse make more or less sense seeing how this played out?
Of course, his size and ability to move out of it matters, and not every goalie will play it the same way based on those attributes, but can you see reasons why it’s right for him here?
Also, did you notice when Demko looked off the puck?
THE PRO READ
Now let’s hear how Demko read this threat and his keys to choosing this post play option:
Watch Thatcher Demko break down the full video for you
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- Thatcher Demko breaks down his Reverse post integration on an end-zone cycle sequence against the New York Rangers, with Adam Fox on the puck along the wall.
- Demko's core argument: getting beaten in a technique does not invalidate the technique itself — the same logic that applies to the butterfly applies to the Reverse.
- Demko identifies when he looks off the puck during the sequence as a deliberate read, signaling that threat recognition — not just post position — drives his decision to stay in his Reverse.
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