Devon Levi ProRead 5
Shoulder Checks Key To Identify In-Zone Threats
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With Devon Levi back with the Buffalo Sabres, InGoal went back to the impressive young goalie earlier this week for a great Pro Reads about the importance of shoulder checking and not getting too aggressive with the depth on every open look. We also promised a similarly themed follow-up in short order, and we decided to follow up with a two-part chance.
THE SEQUENCE
This sequence starts as a slight 3-on-2 at the Buffalo blue line against the New York Rangers but a nice pass to the middle net drive player leaves Levi facing a tough chance in tight:
At this point are you fully committing to the player on a semi-breakaway?
What other threats does Levi have to consider when assessing this play?
What factors play into that decision beyond the obvious direct threat?
As the play continues, Levi ends up facing an in-zone chance next, one with a lot of similarities to his last Pro Reads. Assuming you watched that, what do you think his keys are at this point?
Who do you see as the most dangerous player in the above scenario?
THE SAVE
Now watch the entire sequence to see if you’d change your answers to either part:
What did you notice about Levi before the final pass was made by Artemi Panarin?
THE PRO READ
Now let’s hear from Levi on what he saw on this play and his choices on how to play it:
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- Levi breaks down his save on a 3-on-2 rush against the Rangers that transitions into a second in-zone chance.
- On the semi-breakaway, Levi fully committed to the puck carrier because passing through two defenders was low-probability — accepting desperation-save risk on a low-percentage play to stop the higher-percentage direct threat.
- After the initial rush, Levi's priority shifted entirely to scanning threats, identifying the most dangerous player in the zone before the next pass was made.
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