Top 5 Hockey Stick Blade Patterns for Forwards

Quick Summary: Blade patterns dramatically affect shooting and stickhandling. This guide covers the top 5 patterns used by professional forwards and helps you choose the right curve for your game.

Understanding Blade Patterns

Before diving into specific patterns, it's important to understand the three main characteristics of a blade:

Curve Depth

How much the blade curves from heel to toe. Deeper curves help lift the puck easier but sacrifice accuracy on backhands.

Curve Location

Where the curve is positioned (heel, mid, toe). Toe curves help quick releases, heel curves assist with face-offs.

Face Angle (Lie)

The angle between blade and shaft. Lower lies suit forwards who skate in lower positions.

Top 5 Blade Patterns for Forwards

P92 / P29 / W03 (Ovechkin)

The Most Popular Forward Pattern

Characteristics:

• Mid curve with medium depth
• Slightly open face angle
• Versatile for all shot types
• Excellent puck control

Best For:

✓ All-around forwards
✓ Quick wrist shots and snapshots
✓ Players who want versatility
✓ Good stickhandling ability

Why It's #1: This is the most popular pattern in the NHL for a reason. It excels at quick releases, maintains good puck feel, and works well for both shooting and passing. Perfect for power forwards and snipers alike.

P88 / P40 / W88 (Kane)

The Stickhandler's Choice

Characteristics:

• Mid curve with shallow depth
• Slightly open face
• Very long blade
• Flat toe for quick shots

Best For:

✓ Elite stickhandlers
✓ Playmakers and passers
✓ Quick release shooters
✓ Players who use their backhand

Key Feature: The shallow curve provides incredible puck feel and makes receiving passes easier. Patrick Kane's signature pattern is ideal for skilled playmakers who rely on precision and touch.

P28 / W28 (McDavid)

The Modern Sniper Pattern

Characteristics:

• Aggressive toe curve
• Very open face angle
• Medium-deep depth
• Excels at high shots

Best For:

✓ Pure goal scorers
✓ High-velocity wrist shots
✓ Top-shelf accuracy
✓ Quick toe drags

Trade-off: While this pattern offers the quickest release and best roof shots, the backhand suffers. It's becoming increasingly popular among younger players who prioritize scoring.

P90TM (Crosby)

The Balanced Performer

Characteristics:

• Heel-mid curve placement
• Medium depth
• Slight toe curve
• Great for face-offs

Best For:

✓ Two-way forwards
✓ Centers who take face-offs
✓ Strong backhand shots
✓ Power and accuracy balance

Advantage: The heel curve makes winning face-offs easier while still providing excellent shooting capabilities. Sidney Crosby's pattern is perfect for complete players.

P19 / W71 (Sakic)

The Classic Curve

Characteristics:

• Gentle mid-heel curve
• Minimal face opening
• Longer blade
• Traditional feel

Best For:

✓ Accurate passers
✓ Players learning blade control
✓ Strong slap shots
✓ Excellent backhand shots

Best Use: This old-school pattern is becoming less common but remains excellent for players who value accurate passing and strong backhand play over quick releases.

Pattern Equivalents Across Brands

Different manufacturers use different naming systems for the same basic curves:

P92 = Bauer P92 / CCM P29 / Warrior W03 / TRUE TC2.5
P88 = Bauer P88 / CCM P40 / Warrior W88 / TRUE TC4
P28 = Bauer P28 / CCM P28 / Warrior W28 / TRUE TC2

How to Choose Your Pattern

Ask Yourself These Questions:

🎯

What's your shooting style?

Quick wrist shots = toe curve (P28). Slap shots = mid curve (P92).

🏒

How important is your backhand?

Use backhand often = shallow curve (P88, P19). Rarely use = deeper curve OK (P28).

⚡

Where do you play?

Center taking face-offs = heel curve (P90TM). Wing scoring goals = toe curve (P28).

📊

What's your skill level?

Beginners = moderate curve (P92, P88). Advanced = experiment with aggressive curves.

Breaking In Your New Blade Pattern

Switching to a new blade pattern takes adjustment time:

Week 1: Expect awkwardness. Your muscle memory needs to adapt.
Week 2-3: Start feeling more comfortable. Practice shooting extensively.
Week 4+: The pattern should feel natural. If not, it might not be the right fit.

Protect Your Investment

Properly tape your stick blade to maximize performance and extend its life!

Learn How to Tape Your Stick

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a defenseman pattern as a forward?

While possible, defenseman patterns typically have flatter curves optimized for passing and slap shots from the point, not the quick releases forwards need.

How do I know if my curve is too deep?

If you're consistently missing high, have trouble with backhands, or feel like you can't control the puck on your forehand, your curve might be too deep.

Should I copy an NHL player's pattern?

NHL patterns are a great starting point, but choose based on YOUR playing style, not just your favorite player. What works for them might not work for you.

How long does it take to adjust to a new curve?

Most players need 3-4 weeks of regular use to fully adapt. Give it time before switching again.

Final Thoughts: Your blade pattern is one of the most important equipment decisions you'll make. Don't be afraid to experiment, but give each pattern enough time to prove itself. The right curve can take your game to the next level!