Mats Zuccarello is one of the savviest players in the NHL, still producing at age 37 and at undersized 5’8”.
His shootout approach is diabolical. His routes are great, and he creates issues for goalies. He’s found a space that makes goalies feel as though there is nothing they can do.
He’s well known for his “broken controller” shootout attempts.
His other, more effective, repeatable approach contrasts the goalie’s movements and timing.
Notice the loaded push leg foot is planted and committed, as the left pad has been placed down where the left foot cannot be quickly used for pushing. Zuccarello’s route across dictates the necessity for the goalie’s setup.
Next, we see Matt Boldy have a similar approach, but from the opposite side of the ice. Boldy throws a pump fake to get the goalie into the loaded position before moving against the grain of the goalie, where the goalie has no edge for immediately responding. The lag in timing to set his right leg’s edge to push gives Boldy all the space he needs.
Both were able to get the goalie to commit to a loaded push leg where one pad is down. The goalie has made the first move and is quickly beaten by their commitment.
See the below video above from ‘Along The Ice’ for more examples.
Further Reading
How Shooters Are Fighting Back Against Goalies To Score More Goals
How to Increase Shootout Success: Discussing The Best Shootout Routes
