5 Best Goalie Builds for NHL 24

Goaltending in NHL 24
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When it comes to building the best goalie in NHL 24, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to choose the right size and weight for your goalie. Taller goalies have a longer reach, which can be helpful for covering more of the net. However, they can also be slower and less agile than shorter goalies. Heavier goalies are more difficult to knock off their feet, but they can also be slower to react to shots. Ultimately, the best size and weight for your goalie will depend on your own personal playing style.

Once you’ve chosen the right size and weight, you’ll need to select the right goalie equipment. The most important piece of equipment is the goalie mask. A good goalie mask will protect your goalie’s head from injury, and it will also help to improve their vision. Other important pieces of equipment include the goalie pads, blocker, and trapper. The goalie pads will protect your goalie’s legs and feet, while the blocker and trapper will help them to stop shots.

Finally, you’ll need to choose the right goalie abilities. There are a number of different abilities that you can choose from, and the best ones for your goalie will depend on your own playing style. Some of the most popular goalie abilities include:

– **Puck Handling:** This ability allows your goalie to handle the puck better, which can be helpful for starting breakouts.
– **Saves:** This ability increases your goalie’s ability to save shots.
– **Agility:** This ability increases your goalie’s speed and agility, which can be helpful for getting across the crease quickly to make a save.
– **Durability:** This ability increases your goalie’s durability, which can help them to stay in the game even after taking a few hard shots.
– **Vision:** This ability increases your goalie’s vision, which can be helpful for seeing shots from a distance and making saves.

Establishing a Foundation: Attribute Allocation

1. Attribute Selection: Maximizing Agility and Reflexes

Goalkeepers rely heavily on their agility and reflexes to make quick and precise saves. Hence, these attributes should be prioritized during character creation. Agility governs a goalie’s lateral movement, enabling them to shift side-to-side swiftly to intercept incoming shots. Reflexes, on the other hand, determine their responsiveness, allowing them to react lightning-fast to unexpected situations. By investing heavily in these attributes, players can lay the groundwork for a highly reactive and agile goalkeeper who can swiftly react to any scoring chance.

Consider the following attribute allocation for optimal results:

Attribute	Allocation
Agility	85+
Reflexes	85+

The Art of Agility: Controlling Movement and Positioning

Controlling Movement: A Symphony of Speed and Precision

As a goalie in NHL 24, your mobility is crucial for success. Exerting precise control over your movement allows you to effortlessly glide across the crease and react lightning-fast to incoming shots. This ballet of footwork and body positioning is a vital aspect of dominating the net.

Refine your stride technique to optimize your acceleration and deceleration, adapting your speed to match the intensity of the game. Master the art of cornering, seamlessly transitioning from side to side without losing momentum. Utilize the power of the “Butterfly Slide” to swiftly cover the lower half of the net, extending your reach with each explosive push.

Positioning: The Geometry of Goaltending

Positioning is the bedrock upon which all great goalies stand. Mastering the nuances of crease positioning empowers you to anticipate the opponent’s attack, effectively minimizing the angles available for shots and maximizing your presence in the net.

Positioning Principles	Attributes
>Post-to-Post Movement	>Agility, Puck-Reading
>Depth Control	>Anticipation, Vision
>Lateral Adjustment	>Mobility, Reaction Time
>Angle Management	>Positioning Knowledge, Puck Tracking

Seek the ideal balance between aggression and patience, adjusting your positioning based on the situation at hand. When facing a dangerous scoring opportunity, don’t hesitate to challenge the shooter, filling space and denying angles. Conversely, when the puck is on the perimeter, maintain depth and lateral mobility, allowing you time to read the play and react accordingly.

Basics of Glove Mastery

Glove mastery is a crucial aspect of goaltending in NHL 24, allowing you to deftly intercept pucks and protect your net. To master this skill, focus on positioning, timing, and hand-eye coordination. Position yourself at the optimal angle to the shooter and anticipate the trajectory of the puck. Time your glove movement precisely to secure clean catches.

Advanced Techniques for Intercepting Shots

In addition to the basics, advanced techniques can enhance your glove-handling abilities. “Butterfly Glove” helps you cover low shots by spreading your glove wide while maintaining a low stance. “Poke Check” allows you to quickly extend your glove to block shots from close range. Mastering these techniques will make you a formidable opponent in the crease.

Mastering Glove Highs and Flashing Leather

Intercepting high shots demands exceptional glove control and reaction speed. The “High Glove” technique enables you to reach above your head to snag pucks. By timing your glove movement perfectly, you can execute the spectacular “Flashing Leather” move, where you quickly extend your glove to prevent high shots from getting past you. Mastering these advanced glove techniques will elevate your goaltending skills to the next level.

Glove Mastery Basics	Advanced Techniques
Positioning and timing	Butterfly Glove
Hand-eye coordination	Poke Check
	High Glove
	Flashing Leather

Elite Reflexes: Responding to Lightning-Fast Shots

An elite goalie’s reflexes are their most important asset. They must be able to react quickly to any shot, no matter how fast or deceptive. This requires a combination of quick-twitch muscles, good hand-eye coordination, and anticipation.

There are a number of things goalies can do to improve their reflexes. These include:

Practicing regularly with a variety of shots

Using a weighted puck to improve hand-eye coordination

Doing exercises to strengthen their core and leg muscles

Studying the tendencies of opposing shooters

The Importance of Anticipation

A goalie can rarely rely on their reflexes alone to make saves. They also need to be able to anticipate where the puck is going to go. This requires a good understanding of the game and the tendencies of other players.

Goalies can learn to anticipate shots by watching game film, studying the tendencies of opposing players, and getting feedback from their coaches. They can also practice reading the play by following the puck and the shooters’ body language.

A lot of times, goalies can guess what type of shot the shooter will take based on the shooter’s body language, stick placement, and the situation in the game. For example, if a player is winning by a large margin in the third period, they are more likely to take a low-percentage shot, rather than try to make a difficult pass to a teammate.

Situation	Likely Shot Type
Player is winning by a lot in the third period	Low-percentage shot
Player has a lot of time and space	High-percentage shot
Player is trying to make a pass	Pass

Puck Control: Handling Pucks with Confidence

Puck control is crucial for goalies in NHL 24. It enables them to handle pucks effectively, preventing rebounds and maintaining control of the crease. Here are key aspects of puck control:

Catching the Puck

Catching pucks is the primary way goalies control them. Use the following techniques for optimal catches:

Position the glove in the puck’s path and close it firmly to prevent escapes.
Keep the elbows tucked close to the body for stability and reach.
Follow the puck with the glove to absorb its impact and minimize rebounds.

Covering the Puck

Covering the puck involves using the glove or blocker to smother it after saving it. This technique prevents the opposition from gaining possession.

Position the blocker or glove on top of the puck and apply pressure.
Use the stick blade to assist in keeping the puck covered and away from opposition players.

Puck Handling Efficiency

Goalies must be efficient in handling pucks, ensuring quick and controlled movements.

Minimize unnecessary movements and focus on quick, precise actions.

Clearing the Puck

Clearing the puck involves moving it out of the dangerous area around the crease. Employ the following techniques for effective clearing:

Use the stick blade to shoot the puck away from the net.
Place the stick blade on the puck and push it towards the boards or neutral zone.
Position the blocker or glove on the puck and flick it to a safe area.

Rebound Control

Rebound control is crucial to prevent second-chance opportunities for opponents. Focus on the following strategies:

Use the blocker or glove to absorb the impact of rebounds.
Move the paddle quickly to cover any open areas around the crease.
Communicate with defensemen to cover rebound areas.

Size and Reach: Commanding the Net

Standing tall in the crease, a goalie’s size and reach are crucial elements for controlling the net. Height and wingspan play a vital role in covering more of the goal, making it harder for opponents to find open areas to shoot. Reaching across the net with ease allows goalies to handle rebounds and deflections with greater control.

Arm and Glove Reach

Arm reach, measured from shoulder to glove tip, is essential for covering both high and low shots. A longer arm reach extends the goalie’s range of motion, allowing them to reach shots that would otherwise get past them. Glove reach, the distance from the goalie’s fingertips to the edge of the glove, helps in controlling rebounds and making quick saves.

Glove Reach Table

Skill	Description
Agility	Improves goalie’s quickness and maneuverability.
Hand-Eye Coordination	Enhances goalie’s ability to track and react to pucks.
Puck Handling	Increases goalie’s proficiency in controlling and moving the puck.

Size	Glove Reach
Small	9.5″
Medium	10″
Large	10.5″
Extra Large	11″

Choosing the correct glove reach ensures that the goalie can comfortably handle pucks without fumbling or dropping them. A glove that is too small can limit their ability to cover shots, while one that is too large can make it difficult to control the puck.

Physicality: Blocking Shots and Deterrence

Blocking Shots

The ability to block shots is a crucial aspect of goaltending. A higher blocking stat increases the chance of the goalie stopping the puck when it makes contact with their body. In NHL 24, this stat is influenced by factors such as size, strength, and goalie equipment. For instance, taller goalies with a larger wingspan can cover more of the net, reducing the likelihood of the puck finding an opening.

Deterrence

Deterrence refers to the goalie’s ability to intimidate opponents into taking less dangerous shots. This stat is affected by the goalie’s physical presence, reputation, and the game situation. A goalie with a high deterrence rating can force shooters to take low-percentage shots from the perimeter, increasing the team’s chances of success.

Mental Fortitude: Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

Mental Fortitude: The Bedrock of a Goalie’s Success

A goalie’s ability to withstand the intense pressure of the ice is paramount to their success. Mental fortitude allows goalies to remain composed, focus on the puck, and execute decisive saves amidst the chaos of the game. It is a crucial trait that separates the elite goalies from the rest.

Number 8: Embracing the Pressure

Exceptional goalies thrive under pressure. They view it as an opportunity to showcase their skills and rise to the challenge. They channel the adrenaline rush into focus and determination, allowing them to react instinctively and make split-second decisions.

This embrace of pressure requires a certain level of emotional intelligence. Goalies must be able to recognize and regulate their emotions, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed or distracted. By cultivating a positive mindset and a strong self-belief, they can turn pressure into a catalyst for success.

Here are some techniques that can help goalies enhance their mental fortitude:

Technique	Description
Visualization	Visualizing success before the game can help build confidence and prepare the mind for pressure situations.
Meditation	Practicing meditation can promote calmness, focus, and emotional regulation.
Positive Self-Talk	Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can build self-belief and reduce anxiety.
Goal Setting	Setting realistic and achievable goals provides motivation and helps goalies stay focused under pressure.

By integrating these techniques into their mental training, goalies can develop the mental fortitude necessary to excel in the face of adversity and achieve their full potential on the ice.

Puck-Playing Ability: Efficiently Moving the Puck Out

Efficient Puck Handling

Puck-handling is a crucial aspect of a goalie’s ability to move the puck out efficiently. The goalie should possess quick hands and excellent stick control to securely handle the puck. They should be able to receive passes from teammates and control the puck with confidence.

Outlet Passes

Outlet passes are essential for quickly transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone. A goalie with good puck-playing skills can execute accurate outlet passes to forwards or defensemen, who can then initiate the team’s attack.

Puck Recovery

Puck recovery is another important part of puck-playing ability. The goalie should be proficient at retrieving the puck behind the net or in the corners. They should be able to make quick decisions and clear the puck effectively, avoiding turnovers that could lead to scoring chances for the opposition.

Puck Blocking

Puck blocking is a defensive aspect of puck-playing. The goalie should be able to block shots from opposing players who are attempting to score from close range. They should have quick reflexes and be positioned correctly to prevent the puck from entering the net.

Puck Control in High-Traffic Situations

In high-traffic situations, the goalie should demonstrate good puck control and decision-making skills. They should be able to keep the puck away from opposing players while under pressure and make the right decision on when to pass or clear the puck.

Puck Retrieval in Scrambles

During scrambles in front of the net, the goalie must be able to quickly retrieve the puck and regain possession. They should be agile and capable of making quick movements to secure the puck, preventing the opposition from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Strategy and Anticipation: Reading the Game and Outsmarting Opponents

1. Positional Awareness

Maintain an optimal position in the crease, anticipating the puck’s trajectory and adjusting accordingly. Control the space around the net, minimizing angles for shooters.

2. Reading the Offense

Study opponent tendencies, recognizing patterns in their shots, passes, and movement. Use this knowledge to anticipate their actions and position yourself accordingly.

3. Puck Tracking

Follow the puck’s movement with your eyes, hands, and body. Stay focused and alert, even while anticipating shots, to ensure you’re ready to react in an instant.

4. Deception and Bluffs

Use subtle movements and body language to create uncertainty for opponents. Bluff covering corners or faking a push out to draw shooters into a trap.

5. Corner Play

Master the finesse required to secure pucks in the corners and avoid being pulled out of position. Learn to push out aggressively for loose pucks while staying composed.

6. Breakout Defense

Communicate with your defense to anticipate breakouts and position yourself for success. Control rebounds and slow down attacks by directing the puck to the corners or boards.

7. Post Play

Expertly defend the post, using your pads and stick to block shots. Stay alert for wraparounds and redirect attempts, controlling the puck’s destination.

8. Butterfly Technique

Master the butterfly stance, maximizing coverage of the lower net. Learn to seal the ice and close down angles effectively, preventing easy goals.

9. Cross-Crease Movement

Develop quick cross-crease movement to cut off angles and defend against shots from either side. Anticipate the shooter’s direction and position yourself accordingly.

10. Mental Fortitude

Maintain composure under pressure, staying focused and making quick decisions. Control your emotions and avoid getting rattled by mistakes or high-scoring situations. Learn to shake off bad goals and stay mentally prepared for the next shot.

Mental Skills	Importance
Composure	Stay calm under pressure, avoiding panic.
Focus	Maintain attention and anticipation throughout the game.
Decision-making	Make quick, informed decisions in split seconds.
Resilience	Shake off mistakes and bounce back mentally.

Best Goalie Build for NHL 24

In NHL 24, the goalie position is more important than ever. With a solid goalie, you can win games even if your team isn’t playing its best. On the other hand, a weak goalie can cost you games you should have won.

That’s why it’s important to create the best goalie build possible in NHL 24. Here are a few tips:

Choose the right size and weight. The ideal size for a goalie is 6’2″ to 6’4″. This gives you the reach you need to cover the net, but you’re not too tall that you’re easily screened.
Focus on athleticism. The most important attributes for a goalie are agility, speed, and endurance. These attributes will help you move quickly around the net and make saves from all angles.
Don’t neglect your skills. While athleticism is important, you also need to have good skills as a goalie. These skills include puck handling, shot blocking, and rebound control.

By following these tips, you can create a goalie build that will help you win games in NHL 24.