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Casey DeSmith has not just been one of the best backups and value contracts in the NHL since signing with the Dallas Stars before last season.
DeSmith has been a top-15 goalie in the League since then.
Since signing a three-year, $3-million free agent deal — and that’s $3 million total, not per season — the 34-year-old has an adjusted save percentage of plus-0.8%, according to Clear Sight Analytics, which is tied for 12th in the NHL.
DeSmith was kind enough to sit down with InGoal after a morning skate earlier this season to share some of the tactical and technical cues that have allowed him to play so well during this Pro Reads video breakdown session.

THE SEQUENCE

DeSmith is facing a controlled power play set up against the Seattle Kraken:

Casey DeSmith Pro Read 1 vs EDM Better Entry Depth and Keys to Long Laterals - screencap
The puck has just been passed up to the top of the zone from DeSmith’s right at this point, so what are the primary threats at this point he needs to consider?
What matters the most about the passing option at the face-off dot to his left?
Does the fact it’s Eeli Tolvanen, who is well known for his shot, affect things?
Based on that information, would you be skating or sliding across if they next pass is to that player? Are you pushing right into your post or above it? Why?

THE SAVE

Watch the save below and ask those same questions:

What stood out to you about the way DeSmith played this cross-ice pass?
Can you think of a reason he slid outside his post rather than into it?
What about the rest of the sequence and his positioning?

THE PRO READ

Now let’s hear from DeSmith on how he saw and managed this chance:

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