The regular season is a grind, but the playoffs are an entirely different beast. As a goalie, you need to elevate your game, both physically and mentally, to give your team the best chance to win. Here’s your end-of-season checklist to ensure you’re peaking at the right time.
1. Fine-Tune Your Fundamentals
Playoff hockey is fast, unpredictable, and unforgiving. Small technical lapses that might slide in the regular season can cost you a series in the playoffs.
✅ Sharpen Your Crease Movement – Efficiency over effort; refine your pushes, recoveries, and edge work.
✅ Dial in Your Hands – Keep them active and in front, especially on scrambles and deflections.
✅ Reinforce Your Post Play – Be airtight on RVH, overlap, and post integrations to limit bad-angle goals.
Pro Tip: Record your games and practices. Identify small inefficiencies in your movement and correct them before they become costly.
2. Lock in Your Mental Game
Playoff pressure is different—every shot matters. Your mindset will make or break your performance.
✅ Develop a Reset Routine – A quick breath, a water sip, or a phrase to keep yourself dialed in after every goal.
✅ Visualize Success – Picture yourself making key saves in high-pressure moments.
✅ Stay Present – Focus on the next shot, not the scoreboard or the last goal.
Pro Tip: The best goalies don’t let bad goals rattle them. Martin Brodeur said it best: “You don’t have to be perfect, just make the next save.”
3. Optimize Recovery & Energy Management
Fatigue can creep in late in the season. The key to playing your best in April and beyond is managing your workload.
✅ Prioritize Sleep – 8+ hours a night to ensure sharp reflexes and decision-making.
✅ Dial in Nutrition – High-protein, high-quality carbs, and proper hydration to maintain energy levels.
✅ Active Recovery – Mobility work, stretching, and light workouts to stay fresh without overtraining.
Pro Tip: Track your energy levels daily. If you feel sluggish, adjust your training and rest accordingly.
4. Adapt to Playoff Hockey’s Chaos
The game tightens up, and you’ll face more net-front traffic, scrambles, and deflections. Be ready to battle.
✅ Expect More Screens & Tips – Work with teammates to maintain sightlines and react off deflections.
✅ Strengthen Your Battle Level – Compete on every loose puck—second and third saves win playoff series.
✅ Play the Score & Situation – Aggressive when your team needs a save, conservative when protecting a lead.
Pro Tip: Watch NHL playoff games and study how elite goalies manage scrambles and deal with pressure situations.
5. Build Chemistry with Your Defense
Your defense will block more shots, collapse the net, and play tighter. Be on the same page.
✅ Communicate Clearly – Call out screens, point out backdoor threats, and direct puck retrievals.
✅ Rehearse Puck Plays – Work on handling dump-ins, setting up breakouts, and avoiding costly turnovers.
✅ Trust the System – Stay patient and play within the defensive structure—don’t overcommit.
Pro Tip: A well-positioned goalie and a disciplined defense make each other look better. Work together to control rebounds and limit high-danger chances.