BLOG #11 - Misleading Statistics PT 2 – Blocked Shots

This statistic seems to steer the emotions of many when I discuss it. So, before I go into the issues, like the last blog, I’ll illustrate when it is useful. First, a willingness to block shots shows the buy in factor to do what’s best for the team. This is a great character quality and if you want to win, you’ll have to block shots at some point. On the penalty kill, you’ll have to block shots at some point. Powerplays eventually create grade A opportunities for the opponent that will require you to skate in front of the puck. Lastly, when you’re up and the opposing team has pulled their goalie, similar to the PK, you will need to sacrifice to prevent grade A’s.

MISCONCEPTIONS

            One thing that drives goalies mad is when you go to block a shot from outside the red zone. The puck deflects off you, past them, into the goal. Of course, a blocked shot when a goalie is out of position or with an open net is always appreciated, but this isn’t what I’m talking about. When you get into a shot blocking mindset, you tend to default to this as your first option. The problem is you forget to apply the principle of probability over possibility. When a goalie has a clear sightline to the shooter and is set in position, they have a high likelihood of saving the shot. When you dive last second for a block, you run the risk of deflecting the puck and making the goalies job drastically harder.

  On top of increasing the difficulty of the shot, if you’re coming out of nowhere for the block, you’re typically out of position. You will have situations where you have to block shots, but what I’m talking about is the frequency. If you’re frequently having to blocks shots in the Dzone it usually indicates that your out of position. The problem is reenforced when players get high praise for all the blocked shots they have. 

   The other issue that occurs is you tend to be pulled out of position and easily manipulated. The block shot first mindset puts you in a vulnerable position. When your easily manipulated, you tend to give up grade A opportunities. This type of player doesn’t focus enough on eliminating time, space, or sitting on the options principle. When you execute these defensive principles, it leads to regaining possession more consistently. Even if you get the block, possession is up in the air. This comes full circle to the principle of probability over possibility. 

   Shot blocking mindsets tend to lead teams to play possibility over probability. They play a game of chance that leads to high volatility in the group and inconsistency of overall game play. Like I’ve said before, block shots have a place in the game, but you have to be careful to use it as a marker for evaluating performance. 

ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS

 1 – If the shot is outside the dots or red zone and you’re not in a position to eliminate time and space, STAY OUT OF THE LANE! You’re better off boxing out opponents or sitting on the options to allow the goalie to challenge the shooter.

2 – If you have a lot of block shots ask why? Are they from the PK or are they typically from 5 on 5 play? 

3 – If it’s from 5 on 5 play how can you work on getting in position quicker? Why are you out of position so much?

4 – Change your mindset from blocking shots to eliminating time and space and sitting on the options. You may let a couple more shots through, but you’ll end up turning over opponents more often and regaining puck possession more consistently.

Thanks for reading!