Devon Levi ProRead 11
Limiting Pass Options with Paddle Down and Slot Spin Shots
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Devon Levi was recently named to his first AHL All Star Game, making this the perfect time to go back to the highly regarded Buffalo Sabres prospect for another Pro Reads from our extended sit down two summers ago and subsequent time together this summer.
THE SEQUENCE
In this video review, Levi is facing the New York Rangers and an in-zone play that follows a rush chance, with the puck ending up on an opponent’s stick in tight at the side of the net.
There are lots of moving parts in this play but two key decisions that Levi discusses, starting with how he plays things when that puck ends up at the side of the net:
What do you make of the decision to go paddle down there by Levi?
Is Vesey a scoring threat from here?
Can you see who might be a bigger threat to score?
Given that, can you think why Levi uses paddle down in tight like this?
The second discussion point centers on how Levi handles what comes next:
While we probably gave away some of the answers from the first screencap in terms of what was coming next, what do you make of Levi’s decision to get back up to his skates off that right post as the Rangers players gets the puck in the slot and starts to spin?
THE SAVE
The answer to that last question might come easier watching the full play — and a couple subsequent replays. As you do, see if you can spot the reasons Levi prefers to get back up to his skates, and ask yourself the same questions about the paddle down.
Did anything jump out at you about that spin move in the slot that helps answer the question about hold the edges in tight? What did you make of his depth? Would you consider taking more ice in that situation? What about the paddle down?
THE PRO READ
Now let’s hear from Levi on how he saw and managed this sequence:
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- Devon Levi breaks down his save on an in-zone Rangers sequence involving a tight-angle opportunity and a spinning slot shot.
- Levi uses paddle down in tight at the side of the net to account for the pass or shot threat in that position, not just the puck carrier.
- On the slot chance, Levi explains he is not overly concerned with his depth because the shooter is executing a spin shot without his eyes on the net.
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