Hockey Stick Curve Guide: P28, P92, P88, and More – What Curve Should You Use?
By a Former Pro Hockey Player | JESSE MICHEL
Picking the right hockey stick curve is one of the most important (and most overlooked) choices you’ll make as a player. Whether you're a sniper, a grinder, or a two-way D-man, your curve directly impacts your shot accuracy, puck control, release speed, and even your passing.
As a former pro, I’ve used nearly every curve on the market—classic heel curves like the old Easton Drury, to modern mid-toe rockets like the P28. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular stick curves, who they’re best for, and why the NHL has shifted toward toe curves in the modern era.
🔄 What Is a Hockey Stick Curve?
The curve (also called the blade pattern) refers to how and where the blade is curved. Blade curves affect:
- Shooting mechanics & release speed
- Stickhandling feel
- Saucer passes & backhands
- Puck lift and trajectory
📊 Types of Hockey Blade Curves
🟫 Heel Curve
- Curve starts at the heel of the blade
- Great for slap shots and long passes
- Slower release, harder to lift puck quickly
🔙 Old-school example: Easton Drury (similar to Bauer P91A)
⬛ Mid Curve
- Curve starts in the middle of the blade
- Balanced for all-around play
- Good for passing, wrist shots, and puck control
🏒 Classic example: CCM P88 (Crosby) / Bauer P88
⚫ Mid-Toe Curve
- Curve starts mid-blade and continues toward the toe
- Faster release, more control when shooting in tight
- Very popular in today’s game
⭐ Most popular: Bauer P92 (Matthews) / CCM P29
🔵 Toe Curve
- Curve concentrated near the toe
- Great for quick snapshots and toe drags
- Excellent puck lift and deception in tight
💥 Modern sniper’s choice: Bauer P28 (McDavid) / CCM P28
🧪 Popular Hockey Stick Curves – Comparison Breakdown
1. P28 (Toe Curve) – “The Sniper’s Curve”
- Curve Location: Toe
- Shot Style: Quick-release wrist and snap shots
- Backhand Strength: Weak – tough to control on the backhand
- Stickhandling: Excellent for toe drags and tight-area moves
- Ideal For: Skilled forwards who shoot often and need fast puck lift
- Player Example: Connor McDavid
2. P92 (Mid-Toe Curve) – “The All-Around Favorite”
- Curve Location: Mid-toe
- Shot Style: Powerful wrist and snap shots
- Backhand Strength: Moderate – reliable for passes and shots
- Stickhandling: Smooth control, good puck feel
- Ideal For: Players who want a balance of quick release, control, and versatility
- Player Example: Auston Matthews
3. P88 (Mid Curve) – “The Classic Feel Curve”
- Curve Location: Middle of the blade
- Shot Style: Balanced — great for wrist shots and slap shots
- Backhand Strength: Strong — great for passes and backhand shots
- Stickhandling: Excellent for traditional puck control and passing
- Ideal For: Two-way players, centers, or anyone who values consistency
- Player Example: Patrick Kane
4. P86 (Modern Mid‑Toe Hybrid) – “P28 + P92 Perfected”
- Curve Location: Mid‑to‑toe, blending both curves seamlessly
- Shot Style: Combines the quick‑release speed of the P28 with the power and balance of the P92
- Backhand Strength: Balanced – strong enough for precise backhands without sacrificing quickness
- Stickhandling: Great for crisp toe drags, tight‑area moves, and whip shots
- Ideal For: Players wanting the best of both worlds—rapid release and smooth puck feel
- Why It’s Gaining Popularity: Dubbed “the perfect blend of the P92 and P28” by gear experts
5. Heel Curves (e.g. P91A) – “The Old-School Cannon”
- Curve Location: Heel
- Shot Style: Best for slap shots and long-range power
- Backhand Strength: Very strong
- Stickhandling: Stiffer feel; less agile for tight movements
- Ideal For: Stay-at-home defensemen or players with an old-school game
- Player Example: Former pros like Ryan Smyth, older-era D-men
🚨 Why the NHL Has Shifted to P28 & P92
In the modern NHL, speed kills. The days of wind-up slap shots and methodical passing are gone. Today’s top scorers thrive on:
- Quick snapshots in tight
- Deceptive releases
- Fast puck handling in small spaces
❌ Why Heel Curves Are Outdated
- Too slow to release in tight
- Limited puck elevation from close range
- Not ideal for modern pace and pressure
✅ Why Toe & Mid-Toe Curves Dominate
- Quicker release mechanics
- Easier to elevate pucks in tight areas
- Better suited for dynamic offense
It’s no surprise players like Connor McDavid (P28) and Auston Matthews (P92) dominate with these modern curves. Even young defensemen are shifting away from heel curves in favor of faster options.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Curve for YOU
Ask yourself:
- Are you a shooter or a playmaker?
- Do you rely on quick hands or slap shots?
- Do you use your backhand a lot?
- Do you want max puck control or quicker release?
📏 Stick Blade Height – Max Height Blades for Tip Control & Faceoffs
Another important factor is blade height. Some players prefer max-height blades, which offer:
- Better puck control along the boards
- More surface area for tipping shots
- More strength on the faceoff dot
🧱 Why Defensemen Love Tall Blades
- Easier to block passes
- Stronger poke checks
- Better control on clearing attempts
⚔️ Why Centers Use Them Too
- Advantage in faceoffs
- Helps keep pucks low and controlled
- Better for battling in front of the net
Max-height blades (often listed as "XL" or "Tall") are especially useful for players who rely on strength, positioning, and net-front presence.
🧵 Final Thoughts
The game has evolved — your gear should too. Choosing the right curve is about matching your style, position, and shooting habits with today’s faster pace. Whether you're a sniper, a two-way forward, or a puck-moving defenseman, your blade matters.
