butterfly block

Generally speaking, there are two types of saves goaltenders make in the game of hockey. The first is a reactionary save, or one where the goalie actively makes the save. The second is where the goalie gets hit accidentally, or in a blocking mode of play.  Both types of saves have a specific time and place of proper deployment and should only be used in those specific situations. 

It is a well known fact that each year the NHL evolves. Some times there are big changes while other times the changes are small and seemingly unnoticeable. As the game continues to change, everything else has to change with it.

The purpose of this article is to discuss not a change, but rather a lack of change that is causing a direct correlation on how goals are being scored. It is no secret that hockey is becoming and has become faster. What would have been allowed years ago in hockey is now a one way ticket to the sin bin.

Like any useful save selection, the Blocking Butterfly has developed different variations to fit the needs of different goalies and goalie coaches. In this article we will go over the three different types of Blocking Butterfly’s. In addition, we will go through the benefits and pit falls of each save selection.