Jaroslav Halak Pro Reads 6
With Jaroslav Halak
Paddle Down Options on Different Scenarios in Tight
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Jaroslav Halak is currently on a try out agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes, who are without Frederik Andersen as he deals with a blood clot issue, and while we join Halak in being the first to say he wishes it was under different circumstances, it would also be nice to see the 17-year NHL veteran get a shot at 300 wins.
Halak, coming off an impressive season with the Rangers that included a +1.3 adjusted save percentage that ranked 10th in the NHL (just behind playing partner Igor Shesterkin’s +1.4) is five shy of that milestone and with his amazing anticipation and well-honed ability to read the play, it’s hard to imagine he won’t get there.
Halak sat down for an extended video session last season, and it was no surprise that a goalie who prides himself on those reads had a lot of great insights to offer in the Pro Reads format. Halak is back to share more of them in his sixth instalment.
THE SEQUENCE(S)
We’re going to break down different scenarios in tight for Halak this time. The first is a low-high pass to the side of the net against the Columbus Blue Jackets:
This second clip is a power play against the Detroit Red Wings, with the puck being passed down from the left boards to the edge of the crease on his right:
What do you notice about Halak’s set up in both situations?
What factors are you looking for as each pass is received down low?
Based on Halak’s past Pro Reads, how are you expecting him to manage both?
THE SAVES
Now look at the saves and note how Halak handles each one.
Considering the title of this Pro Reads, it probably didn’t surprise you to see Halak use a paddle down technique on this save, but ask yourself why he chose that in this scenario? We know dropping that blocker to the ice exposes space above the shoulder, but can you see why that isn’t a concern on this play?
The same holds true on this play, but ask yourself what determines whether the player receiving the pass down low beside the net is a dangerous threat or not?
When Halak uses the paddle down this time, is it for the same reason as above?
THE PRO READ(S)
Let’s hear how Halak read these attacks and his keys to managing them both:
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- Halak breaks down two saves in tight — a low-high pass against Columbus and a power play pass to the edge of the crease against Detroit — both resolved with a paddle down technique.
- Halak explains that dropping the blocker to the ice on a low-to-high pass does not expose the space above the shoulder in these situations due to the shooter's angle and position relative to the net.
- Halak identifies the key factor that determines whether a player receiving a pass low and beside the net is a dangerous scoring threat or a manageable situation.
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