# Blackhawks use analytics for goalie training

> Blackhawks goalies get data to improve side-to-side saves.
- Title: Blackhawks use analytics for goalie training | Shortify
- Summary: Blackhawks goalies get data to improve side-to-side saves. Blackhawks goalies trained using analytics to focus on side-to-side saves after defense allowed…
- Keywords: blackhawks, goalies, analytics, offseason training, side-to-side saves, east-west passes, nhl, news, local, use, goalie, training
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/09/23/blackhawks-analytics-goaltending-training-arvid-soderblom
- Published: 2026-09-23T21:19:44.1+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: blackhawks, goalies, analytics, offseason training, side-to-side saves, east-west passes, nhl, news, local
## Blackhawks goalies get data
Blackhawks goalies received data to improve side-to-side saves after last season ended.

> That was cool to see
## Goalies focus on lateral movement
Goalies should focus on lateral movement and saving shots from east-west passes.

> You can see what we give up as a team
## Analytics department active
Blackhawks have used analytics for several years but kept data tools secret.

> We just didn’t do a good enough job [defending]
## Goalie coach verifies data
Goalie coach Jimmy Waite and scout Dan Ellis verified data accuracy with video.

> Scoring off the pass [and] scoring off east-west plays is very predictive
## East-west passes common
Young defense allowed frequent east-west passes last season.

> That’s not necessarily because of the system
## Soderblom works on footwork
Soderblom practiced being patient and springy on his feet in Sweden.

> You can’t dig in too much on the ice
## Commesso improves reaction
Commesso sent videos to scout Dan Ellis to improve reaction speed.

> If you’re able to zone in on what you give up primarily
## Analytics history
Former NHL goalie Steve Valiquette published 'royal road' concept in 2014.

> He called it the 'royal road'
## Coach Blashill's stance
Coach Jeff Blashill says analytics help but are not perfect for defensive skills.

> Scoring off the pass [and] scoring off east-west plays is very predictive
## Team focuses on defense
Blackhawks want to eliminate east-west passes in defense.

> That’s an area we want to eliminate more of those
## Goalies train for speed
Goalies work on quick movements and explosive power for shots.

> You can’t dig in too much on the ice
## East-west passes impact
East-west passes are critical for goalies to improve defense.

> That’s not necessarily because of the system
## Key takeaway

Blackhawks goalies trained using analytics to focus on side-to-side saves after defense allowed frequent east-west passes.