The Art of Shot-Blocking
(from NHL.com)
By Mike G. Morreale
NHL.com Staff Writer
April 17, 2010 - NEWARK, N.J. -- Philadelphia Flyers forwards Ian Laperriere and Blair Betts have spent their entire NHL careers stepping in front of 100-mph blasts.
They enjoy it and are considered two of the League's finer defensive forwards because of their willingness to sacrifice their bodies. Laperriere and Betts hope their ability on the back end can help lead the Flyers to a first-round upset of the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Round that resumes Sunday in Philadelphia. The series is tied 1-1.
"You always do it even when you don't realize it because when somebody is shooting the puck, you want to get in front of it," said Betts, who finished the regular season with 63 blocks in 63 games. "Everybody has their own techniques the way they want to block a shot. It's about lining up with the puck and getting a feel for where the net is behind you. You have to make sure you're in the shooting lane. It's all about standing in there and letting it hit you."
Ouch!
"It's probably more noticeable on the penalty kill, because that's when those offensive players are getting the opportunity to tee up the one-timer," Betts said. "You'll notice guys go down to block then."
Laperriere, who was first among Flyers forwards with 74 blocks in 82 contests, feels more and more players are willing to pay the price and get in front of shots.
"You don't want to let the puck go in that might cost you the game," he said. "I think everybody has that mentality right now. The coaches don't discourage it, but it's funny too, because you have to be careful. You have to know the right time to go down or not go down because shooters expect it now.
"They know I like to go down and they're so good that they can pump-fake you and go around you and score that way," Laperriere added. "That's why sometimes you need to stay on your feet. Sometimes, you're late on the play and want to slide down and block that shot. You do whatever you can."
Contact Mike Morreale at mmorreale@nhl.com