Bobrovsky unique stick grip and how it helps blocker
- Bobrovsky's sloped shoulder paddle is a custom CCM option that positions his blocker more aggressively and squarely toward shooters.
- He holds his hand low on the paddle, prioritizing blocker angle over stick position — and will deliberately drop his stick to make blocker saves.
- Despite giving up eight mid-to-high blocker goals against Boston in round one, Bobrovsky's blocker is statistically and visually one of his greatest strengths.
- The sloped shoulder paddle trend is growing among elite NHL goaltenders, including Vezina finalist Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders.
- Bobrovsky's stick can appear cut down when taped, but the sloped shoulder is a deliberate design choice, not a size modification.
Nothing leads to detailed breakdowns of a goaltender’s style, tendencies and yes, even equipment, like a long run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Sergei Bobrovsky is no exception.
With Bobrovsky on an epic heater while leading the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final, a lot of that focus has been on his blocker, and how a unique stick grip, or shoulder, impacts it.
Henrik Lundqvist did a much-lauded breakdown on TNT:
Bobrovsky explained his sloped shoulder, how low he holds it on that paddle, and how that improves his blocker coverage with InGoal Magazine during his final season in Columbus.
Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.
15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource
Already a member? Log in