Andrei Gavrilov recently expressed his thoughts on the comprehensive development of goalkeepers. According to him, while the Swedes have popularized the idea of all goalkeepers being the same, only differing in their attire, they aim to develop various qualities in their goalies, such as conducting interviews and entertaining the audience. Gavrilov believes that to achieve greatness, a goalkeeper must possess a combination of skills.
One example he highlighted is the importance of goalies finding the shortest path to the puck, rather than relying on robotic movements. By avoiding mechanical actions, goalies can enhance their performance and add a unique touch to their game.
The Swedes started this trend eight years ago, where they emphasized uniformity among their goalies. On the other hand, Gavrilov's approach focuses on nurturing individual qualities in goalkeepers to ensure they have the ability to entertain the audience and provide engaging interviews. He believes that this aspect is an integral part of the game.
In addition to developing these qualities, Gavrilov mentioned the importance of showcasing legendary goalkeepers' skills through video compilations. Such exposure has proved beneficial for clubs, as thousands of season tickets have been sold, thanks to the influence of these goalkeepers.
Ultimately, Gavrilov believes that although the end result is crucial, hockey players perform for the spectators. To become great, goalkeepers must not only deliver outstanding performances but also entertain the crowd. He gave the example of Sergei Bobrovsky, who not only showcases exceptional skills but also adds a touch of showmanship to his game. In the Stanley Cup finals, he might even incorporate the "windmill" move, highlighting his ability to find the shortest path to the puck.
Andrei Gavrilov, a former goalkeeper in the KHL, concludes that the development of different qualities in goalkeepers is essential to stand out and become great. By combining exemplary performances with entertainment value, goalkeepers can leave a lasting impact on the audience.
