The RVH.. Goalie talk for non-goalies
The RVH.. Goalie talk for non-goalies
Goalies, evolution and why have there been a bunch of short side goals in the NHL playoffs
Greg here, popping in to talk some hockey.
Our goalie contributor has been having a tough time this playoffs. Check out some of his recent tweets…
A few days later…
I thought this would be the perfect time to talk goaltending and evolution.
Goaltending
From bad angles (also known at dead angles), almost all goalies today are taught what is called the RVH (Reverse VH). It’s a blocking position that has many benefits for goalies such as mobility and rebound control. From a goaltending standpoint, it’s been a game changing save selection (save selection = which save a goalie chooses to use in a given situation).
RVH = Leg against the goal post is Horizontal against the ice with the opposite leg being Vertical.
Shooters are well educated and NHL teams often use their goalie coaches to scout the oppositions goalies. Shooters have picked up on the fact the RVH is a widely utilized save selection and are now aware of its vulnerabilities. Let’s take a look at the tape.
Evolution
Which brings us to our second topic today… evolution.
Goalies and shooters are at constant battle trying to best each other. From a goalie perspective, things have changed dramatically over the years. I’m going to let Steve Valiquette handle the 4 big evolutions on how goalies have handled these dead angle shots and situations:
Equipment advances have only enhanced and sped up the process of evolution.
Shooters need minimal help with composite sticks in order to get the puck off quickly and to place their shots with great accuracy. Shooters now can score from just about anywhere on the ice and anywhere on the net.
Goalie helmets offer better protection (doubtful RVH would be adapted pre-mask), leg pads are lighter, and both the blocker and glove have enhanced the goalie’s ability to make saves.
"Beer pong is a game of shots. Quarters is a game of shots. Playing goal is not a game of shots. It's a game of situations and every situation you have to figure out." - Mitch Korn
Hockey is a game of situations. The shooters take a step forward, then the goalies adjust and take their own step forward, etc.
All of these short side goals this years are just a part of the everlasting evolutionary game. The cycle will continue to go on and on. Evolution is continuous and eternal.
Now, help a goalie out and go buy Josh a drink.
Further Reading - Find out the key to shooting hard, more accurate shots
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Footnote… If you want more on the RVH and goaltending, I released a deeper dive over at TheCoachesSite (Premium)