Nashville Predators: Fiala’s Magic Touch Dazzling The NHL

November 20 – The Spin-o-rama

In a great game against Winnipeg, Kevin Fiala absolutely stuns Connor Hellebuyck. Two things stick out in regards to Kevin’s skill with this goal.

First, Fiala moves to just outside the slot, right at the inside of the circle. He opens up his stance, giving P.K. Subban a lane to a shot pass (which he takes). Many players will play that opportunity with the intention of tipping a shot on net. However, Kevin Fiala understands that opening up the slot by sliding slightly out of it will provide another option for P.K. Players who think in terms of creating the most options are invaluable to a team.

Secondly, when Fiala receives this pass, he doesn’t try a forehand shot on Hellebuyck. The only way you will beat a 6-4 goaltender involves getting him to move laterally. By immediately going to the back-hand, Hellebuyck has to respect the near post and begins to move. Fiala uses the movement of a big goaltender to find a gap between the pads and slides it in. Absolutely beautiful. Oh, and this all happened in a matter of about three seconds.