What is the most effective goalie style in the NHL, today and in the past?

Question

The butterfly style has been used by so many goalies that it makes me think that it has to work for so many of them to buy into it, but then I think of Martin Brodeur who uses a "half butterfly" and he has been so successful with that. Then there's people like Hasek (who I love btw) that don't seem to have much of a style, but which also works...

How has this changed over time from the old days of hockey to the new fast paced, "high scoring" new NHL?

Answer 1

Ken Dryden did pretty good with the standup. I don't see too many who do it nowadays.

Answer 2

I think the most effective style is the butterfly. It is also eaiser to play than stand-up or even half-buttefly that you mention. When played correctly, there is not a lot of wasted motion playing butterfly. Stay square to the shooter, and take away the bottom of the net with the pads, while using the glove and blocker to get the higher shots. The butterfly is also more forgiving in that you are playing positionally instead of just reacting to the shooter. Watch goalies in the past, how they had to "kick save" so much. The butterfly style has made that a lost art. Some of my favorite goalies of the past were Grant Fuhr, Billy Smith and Tom Barrasso. Grant Fuhr and Billy Smith could practically clear the zone themselves by kicking saves out past the blue line. Barrasso was such a fluent skater, he could stay on his skates so much longer than other goalies and still make the kick save. Today's goalies just drop to their knees and take away the bottom of the net. It is more effective, but not nearly as fun to watch.

Answer 3

there have been some pretty good goalies throughout the years..most recently Roy, Brodeur, Hasek and Belfour. I think the "new" NHL limited some of the strengths that goalies had, like playing the puck. Belfour got owned after the lockout! I agree that the butterfly is the best style, but you gotta perfect it like Roy did. So ya, seems like the goalies have to adapt to change their game to be successful

Answer 4

I use a half-butterfly Brodeur / Cujo style personally. Really what works best is whatever you have to do to keep the puck out of the net !!