Merilainen's Save: OTT Vs EDM Game

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Post on Dec 23, 2024

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Merilainen's Save: A Deep Dive into the OTT vs EDM Goalkeeping Debate

The incredible save by Finnish goaltender, Jussi Merilainen, during a recent match has reignited a long-standing debate within the hockey world: Over-the-Top (OTT) vs. Edge-of-the-Crease (EDM) goaltending styles. Merilainen's spectacular stop, a seemingly impossible deflection of a seemingly certain goal, showcased the effectiveness of his OTT technique. But which style reigns supreme? This article explores the nuances of both OTT and EDM, using Merilainen's save as a prime example.

Understanding OTT and EDM Goaltending

Before delving into the specifics, let's define our terms:

• Over-the-Top (OTT): This style emphasizes a high, almost upright, posture in the crease. Goalies using this technique prioritize quick movements and butterfly-style saves in close proximity to the net. They often use their stick to deflect shots and their pads to block shots from low angles. Think quick reflexes and aggressive positioning.

• Edge-of-the-Crease (EDM): This style sees the goalie adopting a more traditional, lower stance, often closer to the edge of the crease. Goalies favor wider movements and rely heavily on their pads and legs to cover the net. Think controlled movements and strategic positioning.

Merilainen's Save: A Case Study in OTT Effectiveness

Merilainen's game-saving stop perfectly illustrates the strengths of the OTT style. The quickness and agility required to react to a shot from such a tight angle are hallmarks of OTT. His high posture allowed him to quickly adjust his body and use his stick to deflect the puck away from the net, preventing a near-certain goal.

Advantages of OTT:

• Quick reflexes: The upright posture allows for faster reactions to quick shots.
• Stick coverage: The high position provides excellent reach for stick saves, deflecting pucks even when seemingly out of reach.
• Butterfly adaptability: The OTT stance transitions smoothly to a butterfly save, crucial for close-range shots.

Disadvantages of OTT:

• Vulnerability to high shots: While strong on low shots, the OTT goalie may be slightly more exposed to high shots.
• Leg coverage: Leg coverage can be compromised compared to the EDM style.

The Case for EDM: Stability and Coverage

While Merilainen's save highlights OTT's effectiveness, the EDM style remains a popular and highly effective choice.

Advantages of EDM:

• Excellent leg coverage: The lower stance provides superior coverage of the lower parts of the net.
• Controlled movements: While slower to react initially, EDM allows for controlled and powerful movements across the crease.
• Shot blocking: EDM emphasizes using the pads to block shots, creating a large surface area for deflection.

Disadvantages of EDM:

• Slower reflexes: The lower posture can make reacting to quick shots more challenging.
• Limited stick coverage: Reach with the stick is generally less than with the OTT technique.

The Conclusion: No Single "Best" Style

The debate between OTT and EDM goaltending is not about finding a universally superior technique. Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal choice often depends on individual goalie strengths, playing style, and team strategy. Merilainen's save is a powerful illustration of OTT's strengths, but many elite goalies find immense success with EDM. The key is finding the style that best suits the individual goalie and allows them to perform at their peak. The future of goaltending will likely continue to see a blend of these techniques, with goalies adapting and evolving their approach to best suit the challenges of modern hockey.