Shot Quality vs. Shot Volume: What the 2025 Playoffs Teach Us About Goaltending Strategy
As the 2025 NHL playoffs unfold, goaltenders are once again at the center of every series — their performance often the difference between a team surviving or heading home. But the key to evaluating goaltending success isn’t just how many shots a goalie stops — it's also about what kind of shots they’re facing.
This year’s playoffs have made one thing abundantly clear: shot quality matters more than shot volume, and smart, situational goaltending has never been more critical.
📊 The Myth of "Busy Is Better"
For decades, coaches, fans, and even broadcasters have praised goalies for "playing better when they’re busy." There’s truth to that—rhythm and engagement can help a goalie stay sharp—but volume alone doesn't tell the full story.
Consider this: A goaltender facing 38 low-danger perimeter shots may come away with a shutout. But another goalie might face only 20 shots—six of them on the power play, three off odd-man rushes, and four from inside the slot. Statistically, the second goalie could allow more goals while actually performing at a higher level.
🎯 What the 2025 Playoffs Are Showing Us
So far in this year’s postseason, several trends have emerged:
High-danger chances are increasing, particularly off the rush and second-chance rebounds.
Teams are getting better at creating layered traffic and disrupting vision at the net front.
Goaltenders who thrive in this environment aren't necessarily the busiest — they’re the smartest, calmest, and most positionally sound.
A perfect example? Look at goaltenders like Jake Oettinger. His ability to track the puck through screens, manage rebounds into low-risk areas, and control his depth based on situational reads has separated him from the pack—even in games where his team dominates puck possession.
🧠 Strategic Implications for Goaltenders at All Levels
The takeaway for developing goaltenders is this:
It’s not just about stopping shots. It’s about managing the game.
Here’s how:
Master Rebound Control
Direct pucks to the corners or freeze them when possible. A save isn’t finished until the puck is cleared or covered.Anticipate Danger Areas
Understand where the most dangerous chances are likely to come from and position accordingly. Slot shots, backdoor plays, and broken coverages are priority threats.Track Play, Not Just the Puck
Elite goaltenders read developing plays early. Know when a rush could turn into a lateral pass. Know when a low-to-high play is building off the cycle.Stay Calm in Quiet Games
Learning to stay mentally engaged in low-volume games is a skill. Visualization, breathing control, and body language all matter.Build Situational Awareness
Recognize when your team is fatigued or struggling with coverage. Adjust depth, communication, and puck-handling to help stabilize the game.
🔄 Volume vs. Quality — A Shift in Mentality
As goalie coaches and mentors, it’s our job to help goaltenders understand this shift: Not every shot is equal. Being statistically "busy" doesn’t mean you’re having an impact. Being effective in key moments — on a 2-on-1, in the final minute of a period, or on a penalty kill — is what earns trust and builds your reputation.
🏁 Final Thought
The 2025 NHL playoffs remind us that great goaltending isn’t just reactive — it’s anticipatory, efficient, and mentally sharp. Goaltenders who prioritize shot quality over quantity, and develop the ability to read the game in layers, will not only survive the pressure of playoff hockey — they’ll thrive in it.
