Joel Hofer ProRead 3
Importance of Identifying Handedness and Push Paths on Power Play
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Joel Hofer is coming off setting a new NHL career high with 39 saves in a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Dec. 27, which reset the mark from a 37-save 4-1 win against the Florida Panthers six days earlier, so now is a perfect time to go back to the St. Louis Blues rookie for Pro Reads.
Hofer, who made his NHL debut two seasons ago and played eight games late last season, is in his first full year in the NHL having won the backup job in training camp, and continues to build as the season goes on, including a .912 save percentage and his first NHL shutout on Oct. 26.
THE SAVE SEQUENCE
This time, Hofer is facing a power play sequence against the Detroit Red Wings, with multiple parts for us to break down with Canada’s recent World Junior gold-medal winner:
On the first part of this sequence (in freeze frame above), Dylan Larkin is cutting into the middle on the power play: as a goalie are you worried about him or the passing options here?
As the play continues and the Red Wings get into a more traditional set up in our second freeze frame (above), what are the key factors you are looking for as a goalie? Who is the most dangerous player in this situation, and how are you setting up based on that read?
Is there anything about Hofer’s stance or depth that reflects that?
THE SAVE
Before we get to Hofer, watch the entire sequence to see if it plays out how you expected:
What did you make of how Hofer handled the one-timer at the end?
Any thoughts on his push, path, or decision to drop into the post on this one-timer?
Would you have done anything different in this situation? Why?
THE PRO READ
Now let’s hear Hofer on his approach to both plays:
Watch Joel Hofer break down the full video for you
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- Hofer breaks down his save against a Detroit Red Wings power play sequence featuring a Dylan Larkin cut to the middle followed by a one-timer, explaining his reads at each stage.
- Power play attacks are increasingly dynamic — Hofer's analysis is a reminder that goalies who expect only traditional setups risk getting caught flat-footed on rush attacks off the man advantage.
- Hofer explains his decision to drop into the post on the one-timer, including his push and path choices on that closing play.
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