Alex Lyon Pro Reads 2
Reading a Down-Low Cycle: ‘You Can Smell It’
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Alex Lyon was fantastic on the InGoal Radio Podcast, which debuted this week, making this a perfect time to go back to the insightful Detroit Red Wings goalie for his second Pro Reads video breakdown session.
THE SEQUENCE
Much like his informative Pro Reads debut, Lyon’s second video session focuses on some in-zone play down low, but this time against the Anaheim Ducks.
There are a couple difference sequences he breaks down, starting with this one:
With a puck battle behind the net after what started out as a retrieval, where is the most dangerous player in the freeze frame above? What factors are you looking for that would determine how you play this and in what way?
What do you think of how Lyon is using the short side the keep his eyes on the puck behind the net? How about his stick position? What’s he taking away?
Now look at the second sequence that evolves from this:
With the puck being cycled into and out of the corner, who is the most dangerous threat? Is it the player at the top of the right faceoff circle? Or the one on the far side, atop the left circle? Both are left-handed, how does that affect the read?
THE SAVE
Now watch the entire sequence and ask the same questions. Try to see how soon can you identify the primary threat on the second opportunity?
What stands out about the way Lyon plays that final opportunity? Is there anything you can identify that allows him to react to the cut back?
Did you notice how many times he looked off the puck to scan the zone?
Now let’s hear how Lyon saw both plays and why he handled them this way.
THE PRO READ
Watch Alex Lyon break down the full video for you
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- Alex Lyon breaks down two in-zone saves against the Anaheim Ducks, starting from a puck battle behind the net that evolves into a cycling sequence with multiple shooter threats.
- Lyon scans off the puck repeatedly to identify threats around the zone, explaining that reading the full picture — not just tracking the puck — is what allows him to anticipate and react to the final cut-back opportunity.
- When the puck moves from behind the net, Lyon narrows his focus to one primary threat, stating the only thing he has to worry about is a one-timer from a specific position based on the cutter's angle and handedness.
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