Nolan's Goals — This Season Into Next
A working sheet, not a wish list. Each goal has a way to tell if it's actually happening — a goal you can't measure is just a hope.
Turn the skill into goals — score, don't just look good.
Why it matters: the skating and hands are already there; what's missing is putting the puck in the net.
- How we'll know: a stretch of games where he's scoring from the middle of the ice, not just carrying the puck around.
- This week: catch-and-release reps; never wind up and telegraph.
A quick, deceptive release.
- How we'll know: a goal where the puck's past the goalie before he's set.
- This week: shoot-in-stride reps; release in one motion, hidden in the skating.
Shoot from good ice.
- How we'll know: he makes the extra move to the slot instead of firing from the perimeter.
- This week: get-to-home-plate reps; no bad-angle shots.
Be dangerous without the puck.
- How we'll know: a goal or a chance created by moving to open ice after he passed, instead of standing to watch.
- This week: give-and-go and net drives; pass and go every time.
The one that isn't a skill
Keep the feet moving when it's frustrating.
- How we'll know: a flat or frustrating game where he keeps skating and getting open instead of drifting to the outside.
- Nobody claps for this one. It's the habit underneath every other goal on the page.
Pick one target every time he plays or trains, put a number on it, and chase it. The goals don't move — the evidence stacks up.
