Sports Illustrated posted two articles discussing the ways in which the Red Wings’ forwards and defensemen could improve their games, and today, Jayd Serdy provides advice to the Red Wings’ presumptive goaltending tandem:
John Gibson: Improve Puck Handling
Gibson has spent more than a decade proving he can make difficult saves, and when he’s healthy, he’s still capable of stealing games. One area that could make an even bigger impact on Detroit’s success is his puck handling.
Making quicker, more decisive plays behind the net can help relieve pressure on the Red Wings’ defensemen and lead to cleaner breakouts. Rather than simply stopping the puck for a defenseman, effective puck movement can prevent prolonged offensive-zone time for opponents and allow Detroit to transition up ice faster. In Todd McLellan’s system, where clean exits are important, a goaltender who can consistently move the puck efficiently becomes another asset in the transition game.
Gibson doesn’t need to become one of the league’s elite puck-playing goaltenders, but improving that part of his game would complement an already strong foundation and make life easier for the defense in front of him.
Continued with advice for Daniil Tarasov;
Even I’ll admit that Gibson isn’t a strong puck-handler. He’ll come out of the net to block pucks rimming around the back boards, but he’s not very good at moving the puck, and he tends to “stay home” in the crease if he is able.
