Alex Lyon Pro Reads 10
With Alex Lyon
Keys to Being Clutch Coming off Bench Cold
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Alex Lyon was an immediate Pro Reads favourite for his insightful breakdowns while with the Detroit Red Wings, delivering on technical, tactical, equipment and even psychological levels during a one-hour sit down. He’s been working his magic with the Buffalo Sabres this season, backstopping the start of a season-saving win streak currently at 11 games, and it all started with a couple of relief appearances.
There are lessons in that, and Lyon shared them while breaking down this save against the Edmonton Oilers, which came shortly after coming off the bench and a month later has proved to be a springboard moment for him and the Sabres.
THE SEQUENCE
Lyon had just come into the game for Colten Ellis, who was pulled by concussion spotters after a collision. There is less than 15 seconds left in the period as the puck is passed cross ice onto the stick of Leon Draisaitl with a 1-0 Buffalo lead:
What’s your first thought as this puck gets to Draisaitl in the freeze frame above?
Are you thinking pass or shoot here? Does the fact time is running out on the period play a role? What do you think of Lyon’s positioning? Is he thinking pass or shot?
THE SAVE
Watch the sequence below to see how it plays out, with the same questions in mind:
Did it play out the way you anticipated with the pass? What did you make of the way Lyon played this? What stood out about his movements? Can you think of why?
It’s okay to be critical in your assessment. Keep in mind, he just came into the game.
What do you think is the biggest key to making this big save late in the period?
THE PRO READ
Now watch Lyon explains how he played this chance, and his mindset coming in.
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- Alex Lyon breaks down his save on Leon Draisaitl after entering cold in relief of Colten Ellis, with under 15 seconds left in the period and Buffalo leading 1-0.
- Lyon credits preparation over technique as the biggest key to making the save, stating it 'has such little to do with goaltending and so much to do with preparation, because the context of the game.'
- Lyon openly critiques his own push and post play on the sequence, modeling how honest self-assessment is part of a goalie's development process.
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