Auston Matthews has one of the most deadly releases in the NHL, which has allowed him to pile up goals since entering the NHL in 2016.
Auston Matthews has one of the most deadly releases in the NHL, which has allowed him to pile up goals since entering the NHL in 2016.
With so much focus being put on the release of a shot, choosing a hockey stick can be an important part of a player's arsenal. Matthews revealed in an interview with Bauer that he likes an especially whippy stick, using an 80 flex stiffness along with a Joe Sakic curve.
Most people are familiar with the P92 Sakic curve that comes stock with most brands, but the 80 flex is interesting.
We've recently seen more and more NHL players equip themselves with lighter flex sticks (Many using 70 flex or less) as snapshots become more of a focus. Matthews even says how slapshots aren't a huge focus of his game.
The more we see players shift their flex the more we're interested in the decision making behind the stick.
For example, we'd be interested to see if Canucks forward Brock Boeser uses a similar strategy. His release has been one of the most talked about parts of this season as he absolutely lights up the league with his shot.
With the way he shoots the puck, he may be using a whippier stick as well.
Patrick Laine on the other hand scores with a lot of one-timers and we would expect him to use a slightly stiffer flex. That is, if he's using a stick at all.
I'm an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of hockey, particularly the technical aspects of player equipment and performance. My familiarity with the dynamics of sticks, curves, and flex stems from both an analytical perspective and a hands-on involvement in the sport. I've closely followed the preferences of professional players, delving into the intricacies of their gear choices and how it impacts their gameplay.
Now, let's dissect the information embedded in the provided article:
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Auston Matthews' Deadly Release:
Auston Matthews is recognized for possessing one of the most lethal shot releases in the NHL since his entry in 2016. His goal-scoring prowess can be attributed, in part, to the characteristics of his hockey stick.
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Stick Selection and Flex:
Matthews, in an interview with Bauer, divulged his preference for an especially "whippy" stick with an 80 flex stiffness. The term "whippy" refers to a stick with a lower flex, allowing for greater bending and loading during shots.
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Joe Sakic Curve:
Matthews pairs his 80 flex stick with a Joe Sakic curve. While the P92 Sakic curve is widely known, Matthews' specific choice may have unique nuances tailored to his playing style.
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Evolution of Stick Flex in the NHL:
The article notes a trend among NHL players shifting towards lighter flex sticks, with some using 70 flex or even less. This adjustment aligns with the increasing emphasis on quick snapshots in the game.
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Brock Boeser's Stick Strategy:
The article speculates on whether Canucks forward Brock Boeser employs a similar stick strategy given the attention his release has garnered. Boeser's shooting proficiency suggests a potential preference for a whippier stick.
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Patrick Laine's Stick Choice:
Patrick Laine, known for scoring with one-timers, is expected to opt for a slightly stiffer flex in his stick. However, the article raises the possibility that he might not be using a stick at all, given his distinct style of play.
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NHL Players' Flex Adjustments:
The article highlights the intriguing decision-making process behind NHL players' stick flex adjustments, emphasizing the impact on shooting techniques and styles.
In conclusion, the information presented showcases the significance of a player's stick selection, including factors such as flex, curve, and overall preferences, in influencing their on-ice performance. This insight into the gear choices of elite players provides a deeper understanding of the nuanced elements that contribute to their success in the NHL.
FAQs
Matthews revealed in an interview with Bauer that he likes an especially whippy stick, using an 80 flex stiffness along with a Joe Sakic curve. Most people are familiar with the P92 Sakic curve that comes stock with most brands, but the 80 flex is interesting.
What stick flex does Auston Matthews use? ›
Auston Matthews prefers the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro as his hockey stick. It appeals to players with a penchant for powerful shots, typically opting for the P29 curve with a flexible 80 flex. Crafted with nanolite shield carbon layering, the shaft combines exceptional lightweight design with durability.
What grip does Auston Matthews use? ›
Auston Matthews Stick Spec Check
Despite liking to tinker with his specs, Matthews usually ends up using the tried and true P29 curve with a whippy 80 flex, as is the case on this CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro. On this stick he utilizes a textured grip, and his preferred "PAPI 34" namebar.
How do you determine flex on a hockey stick? ›
HOW TO CALCULATE HOCKEY STICK FLEX
- Divide the player's weight (in lbs.) by two. Example: for a player who weighs 180 lbs., 180 ÷ 2 = 90.
- Adjust for strength and height. Round up for taller and stronger players. ...
- Adjust for stick length. If adding more than 3 inches, go up in flex.
Equipment History
| Type | Changing From | Date |
|---|
| Skates | CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro | 12/08/2022 |
| Stick | CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro | 12/08/2022 |
| Stick | CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro | 11/26/2022 |
| Stick | CCM Super Tacks AS4 Pro | 11/23/2022 |
20 more rowsGenerating table...
| PLAYER | HAND | FLEX |
|---|
| Connor McDavid | L | 85 |
|---|
| Erik Karlsson | R | 85 |
| JACK HUGHES | L | 77 |
| Mitchell Marner | R | 80 |
45 more rowsDefenders almost universally use higher flex sticks. Zdeno Chara, at 6-9 and 256 pounds, uses a 150-160 flex stick regularly, twice as stiff as Ovechkin. Dustin Byfuglien and Shea Weber use 122 flex sticks, but Weber increases this to 130 flex for the hardest shot competitions.
What Flex does Connor Bedard use? ›
As for details, Bedard uses a PP92 blade curve and a 71-72 flex stick. "I like it pretty whippy," he told ESPN the night he was drafted. The PP92 has an open face with a mid-toe curve that helps cradle the puck, which is good for stick-handling through traffic.
What stick does Connor Bedard actually use? ›
Bedard is using the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro hockey stick this NHL season.
What curve is better P28 or P92? ›
TLDR; Entry level players will likely play better with a P92 curve, but could grow in skill-set by using the P28 for one stick-life. Advanced players can choose either based on preference on the ice. P92: Easy to aim high, and low shots are very easily managed by rolling the wrists to close the blade.
Johnny Gaudreau (55 flex): At 5-foot-9, 157 pounds, it's not a shock he has the lowest flex stick in the league. The four-time all-star and former Lady Byng Trophy winner also has a shorter stick than most, even for a guy of his size.
What is 85 flex hockey stick? ›
The flex number is the amount of weight it takes to bend to the hockey stick one inch. So, an 85 flex stick takes 85 pounds of pressure to flex it just one inch. Manufacturers use flex tolerances when constructing a stick.
What does 65 flex mean hockey stick? ›
The Senior 65 flex is softer than Senior 75 but is slightly stiffer than an Intermediate 85 flex stick extended to the same standard Senior shaft length of 60”.
Does Auston Matthews use CCM or Bauer? ›
Skater Roster
| Name | Position | Pants |
|---|
| Timothy Liljegren"> Timothy Liljegren #37 | Defenseman | Bauer |
| Ilya Lyubushkin"> Ilya Lyubushkin #46 | Defenseman | Bauer |
| Mitchell Marner"> Mitchell Marner #16 | Right Wing | CCM |
| Auston Matthews"> Auston Matthews #34 | Center | CCM |
26 more rowsThe CCM RibCor Reckoner is a lightweight stick that weighs in at 415 grams, one of the lightest sticks available with a construction using PopMatrix Technology that are performance fibers that are constantly in tension for a quick and efficient loading while being protected by outer layers.
What Flex is Connor Bedard's stick? ›
As for details, Bedard uses a PP92 blade curve and a 71-72 flex stick. "I like it pretty whippy," he told ESPN the night he was drafted. The PP92 has an open face with a mid-toe curve that helps cradle the puck, which is good for stick-handling through traffic.
What flex stick does Patrick Kane use? ›
And my shot wasn't that great when I was a kid, but I always found ways to be a good stick-handler and score goals that way. “And then as time develops, I always used a stiff stick. I used like 107 when I started, then I went down to 102, now I'm at a 95 flex.
What stick flex does Kane use? ›
Left - Patrick Kane Supreme 2S Pro XL 'Dressed as Vapor Flylite' 95 Flex Stick #3 - Pro Stock Hockey.
What flex stick does William Nylander use? ›
Nylander uses an ultra lightweight 2SPROXL build under a flashy black and green Supreme ADV graphic. An extended height shaft, relatively low 77 flex, and standard glossy grip finish round out the features of this awesome twig.
