Connor Hellebuyck ProRead
With Connor Hellebuyck
Vezina Winner Shares Tips on Reading Pass-or-Shot, Shot Location and Baiting
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Connor Hellebuyck is a recent Vezina Trophy winner and three-time finalist in the past six years, including this season after backstopping the Winnipeg Jets into the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a remarkable 37-25-2 record, .920 save percentage and four shutouts in 64 games.
So, having Hellebuyck sit down with us for a lengthy Pro Reads video breakdown session is a special treat, but what had the InGoal crew even more excited was hearing former playing partner Eric Comrie rave about Jets workhorse No.1 being a perfect candidate for this format because of how remarkably he reads the game. Hellebuyck did not disappoint with his insights and anticipation skills, so let’s not waste any more of your time getting to them.
THE SEQUENCE AND SAVE
Hellebuyck is facing a shorthanded 2-on-1 against the Calgary Flames in his Pro Reads debut, and because pace is so important part when assessing an odd-man rush, we’ll go straight to the video. But before you click play, try to ask yourself when you know if this is a shot or pass?
At what point in that sequence were you confident that Mikael Backlund was shooting?
When do you think Hellebuyck figured it out?
Secondly, at what point, if any, did you know that shot was headed short-side high?
What clues gave away the location of Backlund’s shot?
Lastly, looking at the screen shot below, what did you make of Hellebuyck’s positioning as Backlund closed in? Did you notice anything else about how he handled this rush?
Is Hellebuyck on angle? Can you think of any reason he might be slightly off on purpose?
THE PRO READ
Let’s hear how Hellebuyck approached this and how he knew a shot was coming (and where):
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- Hellebuyck breaks down his save on a shorthanded 2-on-1 against Mikael Backlund of the Calgary Flames, walking through his read in real time.
- Hellebuyck identified Backlund wasn't looking for an early pass at the blue line, which told him a shot was coming before Backlund committed to it.
- Knowing Backlund was a left-handed shooter gave Hellebuyck an additional anticipation cue he used to prepare for the shot's likely location.
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