Now take a look at that area compared to where each player is scoring the majority of their goals from:  (Note – since these files are property of NHL.com, I can’t post them directly to the blog, so I have to link them)

Alex Ovechkin:  http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2010/04/ovi-chart-LG.jpg

Sidney Crosby: http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2010/04/crosby-chart-LG-mod.jpg

Steven Stamkos: http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2010/04/stam-chart-LG.jpg

So what can we learn from these great goal scorers? To me, it’s one simple thing: don’t pass up opportunities to shoot the puck in the prime scoring areas of the ice.  Now, that’s not to say there aren’t times when it’s right to make a pass here – but too often I see players try to chase that elusive “perfect scoring opportunity” – 99% of the time, it won’t happen. Goal scorers score by shooting the puck and shooting it with a purpose! ….oh, and it doesn’t hurt to get in the habit of driving to the net and stopping in front for a rebound!

Whether you were jumping with enthusiasm or in complete shock after Crosby’s goal, you realize it was because of a quick release. All goal scorers are able to get the puck off quicker than most, before the goalie is set. This is the idea behind the Score100goals Shooter Tutor.

Goalies are taught to play the angles and their position/depth within the net changes as the puck moves around the offensive zone. So why shouldn’t shooters change where they aim based on their position? With this new shooter tutor the offensive zone is broken down into 5 different areas. After analyzing 1,000’s of NHL goals a pattern emerged and a chart was created illustrating the best places to shoot for the highest probability of scoring from each area.

*the colors correspond to the outlined holes on the shooter tutor, representing the best areas to score from each zone.

It may look complicated but once you have an idea of where to shoot based on your location in the zone, your release is a fraction of a second quicker. A lot of players including myself would get an opportunity in the offensive zone, pick our heads up and try to find “open net” as the goalie was taking away your shooting angle. Now before the puck is even on your stick you know the best places to shoot for the highest probability of scoring. Instead of taking time to find the openings you are releasing the puck while the goalie is still moving. With this knowledge you will score more goals.

Zone 1

Zone 1 represents a rebound situation. More often then not the goalie is down from making the first save so you need to get it up and over him/her.

Zone 2

Zone 2 represents a shot coming down the right wing boards. Low stick side off the post is a great place to shoot. Also if you get in tight from this zone the goalie sometimes drops his glove and you can shoot at hole number 3.

Zone 3

Zone 3 is the “prime scoring” area or slot. This area has the most highlighted targets to shoot as well as a new hole over the goalies shoulder(number 2). As the goalie goes down in the butterfly position you can blast one past his/her ear. Great place to shoot.

Zone 4

Zone 4 is a mirror image of zone 2. It represents a player streaking down the left wing or coming out of the corner on a cycle. You want to move across the ice to get a goalies feet moving and then Five-Hole or off the post low is a great place to shoot.

Zone 5

Zone 5 represents a shot from the point. A shot from this area can create a rebound or deflection opportunity. Plus if you’re shooting high from this outside area it has a greater chance of getting blocked. A goalies hands are quicker then his/her feet and most times it’s an easy save.

You can find more info on the Score100goals Shooter Tutor at www.score100goals.com