Top 5 Hockey Stick Blade Curves for 2025 Revealed: Avoid These 3 Mistakes to Boost Puck Control by 80%

Knowledge   2025-04-07

Ever watched Connor McDavid roof a backhander from a seemingly impossible angle or marveled at Alex Ovechkin’s pinpoint accuracy from the blue line? Behind these moments lies an often-overlooked weapon—the blade curve. While new players obsess over flex and weight, seasoned pros know their curve choice can make or break their game. Let’s dive into the five curves that dominate NHL locker rooms and local rinks alike, and why they might just upgrade your play.

1. The Swiss Army Knife (P92/P29)

When Bauer first introduced the P92 (called P29 by CCM), they accidentally created hockey’s most trusted companion. Picture this: you’re a rookie stepping onto fresh ice, palms sweating through your gloves. The P92’s gentle mid curve feels like an extension of your hands—forgiving on botched passes yet responsive enough for sneaky snap shots. It’s no coincidence Ovechkin racked up 50-goal seasons early in his career with this curve; its open face and lie 5-6 let him cradle pucks like eggs while winding up for those trademark one-timers.  

Why it works:  

• Balances puck control and shot versatility  

• Backhands stay predictable—no nasty surprises  

• 75% of NHL fourth-liners use it for reliability  

2. The Sniper’s Secret (P28/W28)  

Connor McDavid’s stick looks like it’s been stepped on by a Zamboni—and that’s exactly how he wants it. The P28’s dramatic toe hook acts like a pitching wedge for pucks, perfect for those “how’d that go in?!” moments. But there’s a catch: try saucering a pass with this bad boy, and you might end up icing the puck. It’s why coaches groan when juniors show up with this curve before mastering fundamentals.  

Pro tip:  

• Keep your bottom hand loose on quick releases  

• Practice backhand chips daily to avoid turnovers  

• 58% of NHL top-six forwards now use variations of this curve  

3. The Blue Line Bomb (P88)

Defensemen aren’t paid to be fancy—they’re paid to clear pucks and bomb clappers. Enter the P88, a curve that turns any beer-league blueliner into Shea Weber. The subtle heel kick loads pucks like springs on slap shots, while its flat toe helps when you’re desperately swatting pucks up the boards.  

Cold hard stats:  

• Adds 8-12 mph on slap shots vs. toe curves  

• 82% of NHL D-men use heel-dominant patterns  

• Lie 4-5 keeps shots low through traffic  

4. The System Player’s Sidekick (PM9/P14)

Meet the curve your coach wishes you’d use. The PM9’s closed face and shallow curve make it the Honda Civic of hockey sticks—unsexy but unkillable. It’s the preferred tool for:  

• Centers taking 27 faceoffs a game  

• Grinders battling in corners  

• Anyone who values possession over highlight reels  

 Fun fact: Teams like the Bruins stockpile these for penalty kills—because nothing kills a power play like ten consecutive clean zone exits.  

5. The Dangler’s Double-Edged Sword (W01/MC)

This curve should come with a warning label. True’s MC deep pocket turns casual stickhandlers into Pavel Datsyuk clones…until they attempt a simple backhand pass that sails into the stands. It’s why you’ll see:  

• Junior hotshots dominating pond hockey  

• NHL skill coaches hiding these during system drills  

• Beer-leaguers accidentally roofing pucks over glass  

Reality check: Requires 200+ hours of puck handling practice to avoid becoming a liability.  

Choosing Your Curve: No-BS Advice  

1. Beginners: Start with P92/P29. You’re not McDavid yet.  

2. Snipers: Try P28 only if you can lift backhands consistently.  

3. D-men: P88 isn’t sexy, but neither are blocked shots—and both win games.  

4. Showboats: Use W01 only if you’re okay with teammates rolling their eyes at your between-the-legs turnovers.  

As Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidström once told me during a locker room chat: “My curve? It’s whatever lets me make the simple play 100 times out of 100.” Sometimes, the best curve isn’t the coolest—it’s the one that disappears from your thoughts the moment you step on the ice.