fb
Ryan Miller retired this summer but after a remarkable 18-season career that included the most NHL wins by an American goalie (387), the 2010 Vezina Trophy and a silver medal as MVP of the 2010 Olympics, we weren’t going to pass on a chance to pick his considerable puck-stopping brain and break down video from his last couple of seasons with the Anaheim Ducks.

As thoughtful off the ice as he was brilliant on it, Miller is poised rejoin the USA Olympic team as a coach for the 2022 Beijing Games, something he discusses at length in an upcoming edition of the InGoal Radio Podcast before reviewing footage of a half dozen saves for Pro Reads.

THE SCENARIO

Miller makes his Pro Reads debut with a late-game 6-on-5 sequence against the potent Toronto Maple Leafs two seasons ago, helping the Ducks hang on for the win after entering the game late while dealing with the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares and company.

Watching Matthews load up in the freeze frame above while fighting through a Zach Hyman screen atop his crease, what do you identify as the most dangerous options on the ice?

Does the fact it’s a 6-on-5 rather than a 5-on-4 power play make a difference? How?

Before we get to the complete save, take a look at it from behind the net (below). What do you make of Miller’s decision to look around the screen on the short side here?

THE SAVE

Now let’s take at the entire sequence and see if there’s any additional factors that come into play at full speed, with the added context of movement from both Matthews and Hyman:

Become a Member to Read the Full Article

We’re working hard to bring you the best exclusive goaltending content whether you play goal,  you are a coach, a parent of a goaltender, or a fan of the greatest position in sports.

All InGoal Premium members enjoy an ad-free experience.

Already a member?

Comments

Let's talk goaltending!

We welcome your contribution to the comments on this and all articles at InGoal. We ask that you keep it positive and appropriate for all - this is a community of goaltenders and we're here for each other! See our comment policy for more information.