Krejci Goal Shows Great Patience

Aaaaah, finally I found a sample of a quality I've long felt is the mark of a great goal-scorer. I'm talking about patience -- or coolness -- with the puck, and it's something demonstrated by every outstanding playmaker and finisher. But, let's take a look at this Stanley Cup goal by David Krejci before going on... Now, I'm kinda bummed that this video didn't run a little longer for you, because as I watched the live broadcast yesterday, I believe the color commentator stayed on the topic of patience for a little while longer. Of course, some of you might be wanting to ask me how a player can develop that kind of coolness with the puck. Well, I'm going to suggest that this trait mainly stems from plenty of work with a puck (or ball) -- as in puckhandling, puckhandling, puckhandling, until a player can handle that biscuit in his or her sleep. I might also recommend that players practice plenty of "asymmetric puckhandling". In other words, because there's an awful lot of craziness going on around a puckhandler, he or she should prepare for that in advance by dribbling and dealing with some other physical challenge at the same time. Going back to the Incredible Stickhandling series of videos would be a great start. And, since this IS the off-season, I'd suggest staying away from the ice for awhile, instead trying all those tricks off the ice with a stick and lively ball. Then, in order to get the asymmetric part in there, a player could mix his or her puck tricks with some hopping (on one or both feet), and rising up and down to and from the knees. Really, though, there's no prescribed second challenge, as far as I'm concerned. In other words, a player (parent or coach) should just use his or her imagination. Remember: getting better is all in the doing!