TORONTO, ONT – Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom is using a tennis ball machine as part of his training to stay sharp.
Columbus Blue Jackets counterpart Joonas Korpisalo doesn’t have that technology at his disposal during the coronavirus pandemic, so a wall has had to do the trick.
Toronto's Frederik Andersen is self-isolating with teammate and 47-goal man Auston Matthews.
“I have a pretty good shooter here,” Andersen said.
No matter the setup, NHL puck-stoppers are, at least on the surface, at a disadvantage when it comes to maintaining most of their physical skills during the lull since the season was suspended March 12.
Unlike skaters, who might have a net in the driveway or the ability run through a stick-handling drill, goalies are having a hard time mimicking situations that even loosely resemble practice or game situations.
“We’re doing our best and working a lot on hand-eye,” Markstrom said. “Don’t let your eyes fall asleep is a big thing.”
Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck said: