🧠 Hockey IQ Breakdown: Flash Screens — The Small Detail Goalies Hate Most
Some of the most important plays in hockey never touch the puck.
From: Geoff Schomogyi (Instagram | Facebook)
Why Flash Screens Matter
Watching elite prospects at events like the World Juniors, it’s easy to focus on the shooter — the release, the accuracy, the finish.
But on this goal, the shot is only part of the story.
As Coach Schmogs points out, the real difference-maker is a flash screen — a quick, well-timed skate through the goalie’s sightline that turns a visible shot into a guessing game.
What Is a Flash Screen?
A flash screen isn’t about standing still in front of the goalie.
It’s about movement.
A skater crosses directly through the goalie’s line of sight
The screen is brief — a split second, not a full net-front battle
The puck is released as the sightline is disrupted
That moment of visual interference is often all it takes.
Even the best goalies rely on early puck tracking. When their eyes lose the puck for a fraction of a second, reaction time disappears.
Why Flash Screens Are So Effective
From a goalie’s perspective:
The puck changes planes behind a moving body
Depth perception is disrupted
The release point is harder to identify
From an offensive perspective:
You don’t need to overpower the goalie
You don’t need a perfect screen
You just need timing and awareness
The Detail Most Players Miss
Many players think “screening” means parking at the top of the crease.
But flash screens reward players who:
Read when the shot is about to come
Skate through the sightline, not around the play
Keep moving so they’re not interfering or drifting offside
It’s a subtle detail — and that’s exactly why it works at higher levels.
VIDEO: [TITLE]
🎥 Want to See It in Action?
Unlock the final tip + full video breakdown by subscribing free to The Playmaker Report—trusted by 22,000+ players, coaches, and parents.
Subscribe free to The Playmaker Report—trusted by 22,000+ players, coaches, and parents—and get instant access below. 👇