Butterfly style

The butterfly style of goaltending is used quite frequently in the N.H.L. This style of goaltending is very effective when executed properly. Over the years goaltending has evolved from most of the goalies being stand up goaltenders to most of them now being butterfly goaltenders.

20 years ago most goaltenders were taught to be stand up goaltenders, but now that has changed. Over time players got smarter and started to study goalies and found that by shooting low and hard it was difficult for a goalie to stop.

After the goaltenders realized this something had to change. So now you have the butterfly. This is an excellent way to stop those low, hard shots. This worked great for a while, but if you were to study a hockey game now you will notice that the players are starting to shoot high.

What this means is that there is a continuos cycle going on. Players learn the styles of other players and compete against them in an opposite manner. For ex. If you are a butterfly goaltender, the shooter will try to go high. If you are a stand up goaltender they will try to shoot low.

The pros and cons. The butterfly style, when done correctly can cover lots of ice. Although while being down you leave the top of the net open for high shots. It is great for screen shots. Without seeing the puck you can take away the potential tip in and again cover lots of the net down low on the ice. If you were to let out a rebound you are already down and out of position. This style is best used by the advanced players. When down you need to have extra fast hands to cover the top of the net for the high shots. Younger players usually do not have quick enough hands to do this when down.