Matt Murray Pro Reads
Managing Posts and Stance on Low-High 1T
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Matt Murray is back in the NHL with the Seattle Kraken after overcoming double hip surgery and splitting last season between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, and that gave us a chance to catch up with the two-time Stanley Cup winner for more Pro Reads.
Anyone who listened to Murray past video breakdowns already knows how well he sees and processes the game. The 11-year NHL veteran is exceptional in this format, highlighted by a master class on managing screens in his Pro Reads debut, and we’d strongly suggest going back through those original entries (below) after you watch this latest breakdown.
THE SEQUENCE
This time Murray is facing what starts as a rush chance, with the puck carrier getting deep into the zone before turning it into more of a spot-to-spot in-zone play:
Looking at the freeze frame above, what do you notice about Murray’s positioning and posture? Are you worried about a pass to a shot at this point?
As the puck carrier peels away and back up the wall, where does the primary threat shift to? What do you notice has changed already about Murray’s positioning and posture?
Perhaps more importantly, why do you think those two things have changed?
The Save
Now watch it play out in real time — and a slow-motion replay — and ask yourself those same questions:
Can you see how those two changes in Murray’s positioning make this an easier save?
THE PRO READ
Now, let’s hear Murray what was thinking as this play unfolded:
Watch Matt Murray break down the full video for you
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- Murray breaks down his save on a rush chance that converts into a spot-to-spot in-zone play, tracking how the primary threat shifts as the puck carrier peels up the wall.
- Murray used a high stance on the initial rush because the puck carrier was on his backhand — explaining that a backhand shot from that position posed little danger and allowed him to stay upright and read a potential pass.
- Murray notes the stance calculus changes on the forehand: the same puck position on the forehand side would have required a different, lower posture to account for increased shot danger.
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