Strengths and Weaknesses: Bishop, Crawford
In recent years, goaltending has become more important in NHL hockey than ever before. While history has given us some fantastic tendys like Brimisek, Plante, Giacovin, and so forth, the level that today’s goaltenders are expected to play at goes unmatched. With the development of new equipment coupled with the advancement of science and theory in sports, goaltending more often than not makes the difference in a game or a series.
Tonight, two fantastic goalies will take they ice in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Corey Crawford has been here before-twice before actually. Bishop on the other hand is playing in the biggest game of his life so far.
These two goalies are incredibly skilled, but at the end of the day they are only human. Here is a breakdown of each goaltender’s strengths and weaknesses in anticipation of tonight’s match-up.
Corey Crawford, 30, Chicago Blackhawks
Corey Crawford is known for his overall athleticism, and his ability to see the ice. Despite being a goaltender, he often is responsible for setting up his teammates on important plays. He has a strategic mind, and is a better stick handler than almost any other active goaltender in the world.
Crawford’s weakness is most certainly his high glove side. A wizard on his stick side, his glove side is slow. He is able to shutdown a breakaway unlike any other goaltender in the league, and might I venture to say, in the world. However, the rebound is another sore spot of Crawford. He has a slow recovery after a play. The sharp shooters Tampa has are known for “picking up the trash” and scoring on the rebound. Crawford will need to elevate this area of his game in order to best support his team versus the Lightning.
Ben Bishop, 28, Tampa Bay Lightning
Bishop’s 6’7” frame has brought about my comparisons to Montreal Canadiens great, Ken Dryden. The kid fills up a lot of net. His strength lies in his ability to quickly rotate his large frame and square up for shots. While not explained easily by stats, Bishop is excited to see deep post-season play for the first time in his career
Bishop’s glove side, like Crawford, is definitely a weakness. Both high and low glove side have been issues for the tendy. His reaction time is slow, which will be an issue with the fast-paced play of the Chicago offense. He is susceptible to tap-in goals.
Tonight’s game will be a tight matchup between two incredible teams, but the play of their last defender will be key.
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