Goaltending from the inside

  Playoffs!   And that is the time when every play, every mistake, every save & every goal comes under the spotlight and becomes especially important.   It is also the time when everyone elevates their game, the speed & physicality goes up and so, as this happens, YOUR PLAY MUST elevate to match the game play.   A series can change on a play, on a goal, and you don’t want to be giving up a goal that is going to change momentum in a game that may change momentum in a series because you are still stuck in regular season mentality.   So how can you, the goaltender, arguably the most important player on the ice, deal with the amplified pace of the playoffs?   Here are some things you should focus on doing (or not) prior to your first game:   Don’t try making changes to your game – trust that whatever got you there will see you through to the end   Once you know who your opposition will be, then talk to your coach (head or goaltending) or draw from your own experience or