What is the 'butterfly' style NHL goalies?

Answer 1

Butterfly goaltending is the style where a goalie drops down and covers the bottom of the net by spreading his pads.

The style was originated in the late 50s by Glenn Hall (who taught the famous Allaire brothers (Francois and Benoit)), and popularized in the 1970s by Soviet supergoalie Vladislav Tretiak.

It's been the most popular style of goaltending since the early 80s, although Chico Resch and Mike Palmateer employed it with great success in the 70s. The first butterfly style goalie to win a Vezina was Glenn Hall (and he won 3 of them), and almost every Vezina winner since 1980 has employed the Butterfly style as part of their game


Bob
Most scouts consider Hasek to be a fine example of a butterfly style goaltender (it's in his profile with Central Scouting), and Brodeur employs the style several times in a game.

Answer 2

Pretty much as Like I'm telling you said. It generally is better suited to a larger / taller goaltender who still covers a significant portion of the net when on his knees. Today's larger equipment as compared to the 60's and 70's helped make the style more prevalent and effective. Patrick Roy was probably the best example of a pure Butterfly Goaltender.

Which style is best depends on the individual goaltender. As long as the puck stays out.

Answer 3

Dominick Hasek would be a spastic butterfly...the 'flopper stopper' is in a league of his own. Great doesnt have to be pretty.

True butterfly would be Roy. Broduer does it less now that he is older.

Answer 4

Like I am Telling You- Except for all the ones Hasek won.....and the ones by Brodeur. That is atleast 9 since 1980 though. Cheers my friend.

Answer 5

I am no NHL'r but a butterfly is open stance...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goaltender
Best if you have quick reflexes..

I am more of a hybrid. A combined stand up + butterfly. I find it easier when I am on Ice to do a stand up since I can do the two pad slide.

Thanks for the Q