Variations On A Shootout Theme

Let's begin with the most obvious thing about Jason Robertson's next-level shootout move from a few nights ago—he missed. Have a look:

What may be less obvious is: why is Georgiev swimming? Seriously, the guy looks like he's playing on wooden blades. How was Robertson able to bamboozle him with such a harmless-looking move? The answer to that requires some context.

Lefty shooters coming in against right-handed (standard) goalies at around a 45-degree angle have a plethora of options at their disposal. One such option is the low-glove shot that Rantanen whipped out just before Robertson:

Another is the high-glove shot that Crosby has not been shy about exploiting over his career:

Here's another one, for old time's sake:

Deking is also in play. Let's stick with Crosby and the ever-reliable, fake shot + top cheddar combo that he's feasted on over the years:

That same basic move can be placed five-hole, as well...though in my humble opinion, this isn't nearly as potent because the goalie's right leg often swings over and catches the puck before it goes over the line. Obviously, that was not the case for Huberdeau here:  

To round out the most prominent options for lefties coming in on left-gloved goalies, at an angle, we have a deke-shot hybrid. This is when the puck is moved quickly to the forehand and slid five-hole; the idea here is that all you have to do is beat the goalie's stick, because his pads won't get down in time. Have a gander:  

Might as well finish this little history with Crosby, who has done so much to innovate and solidify this attacking angle: 

Now we have the necessary context to understand Robertson's next-level move. He *postures* as if he's attempting the same half-deke, half-shot to the five-hole as above, but actually has designs for top-glove. Take another look in the screenshot below. Have you ever seen a goalie more concerned about his five-hole?

Incidentally, this is what's so cool about hockey. In the nanosecond that Robertson's blade is flat and directed toward the net, he convinces Geo of false intentions and gets him to bite, HARD. Unfortunately, it was all Swedish and no Finish, but you better believe that we'll see Robertson pot this move before season's end.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Josh

P.S. Is it also possible that Geo fears something like this? (Chase thinks so.)

‍