The Athletic’s Max Bultman penned an intriguing article discussing the Red Wings’ Saturday signings of Thomas Greiss and Troy Stetcher, in which Bultman speaks with Greiss’s goalie coach, Adam Francilia, regarding Greiss’s adaptation to a new situation in Detroit:
One of the main questions following his arrival will be how Greiss will adapt in transitioning from one of the soundest defensive teams in the league with the Islanders to a Detroit group that struggled defensively last season.
Greiss on Saturday acknowledged the different outlooks in the two situations but said he’s looking forward to a new challenge and new environment.
Francilia pointed to Greiss’ age and experience as being helpful in that regard, in terms of not getting easily bothered, and highlighted the importance of goaltenders creating their own smaller world, focusing on mastering their craft.
“That sort of helps insulate goaltenders from becoming too overly affected from some of the external things that happen,” he said. “The team in front of you, where they are, is it a transitionary team, a rebuild, a young team. … I think that’s important for a goaltender, to have a little bit of that mental, emotional separation.”
Francilia said that’s something he worked on with another client, Connor Hellebuyck, before last season, with the Winnipeg Jets defense undergoing a significant overhaul as well. The Jets lost Jacob Trouba, Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers, but Hellebuyck went on to win the Vezina Trophy.
Bernier actually benefitted from a similar mindset last season, too, en route to his strong second half.
Continued (paywall)