RALEIGH, N.C. — The backup goalie’s best save of an unforgettable night started eight hours before game time. Really, it started five days earlier.
At the morning skate before every game, Avalanche goalie coach Jussi Parkkila goes over the scouting report with the evening’s starter. That process includes reviewing the opponent’s power play tendencies. For that, Parkkila consults with fellow assistant coach Nolan Pratt.
“Pratter makes him aware of certain plays that other teams are going to run,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “So they don’t always necessarily have to work on it on the ice, but they have to be aware of it.