The butterfly is a save technique but is also considered a goaltending “style” by those who use it as a starting point for any save. In other words they are down, covering the low part of the net, before ANY shot is taken.
After watching plenty of NHL games, many young goaltenders are beginning to duplicate the approach of players that are anywhere from a foot or more than them. There’s nothing inherently wrong with watching NHL hockey but because young goaltenders still have a ways to go growth-wise, using the butterfly as a starting point is not really an effective way for them to start as a set position to make saves.
A full grown 6’ goaltender can cover the bottom half of the net starting out in the butterfly. A goaltender this big can almost stand up with feet post to post.
Goaltenders 5’ 8’’ or less don’t have the legspan and upbody coverage to cover the bottom portion of the net while still being able to handle high shots unless used in reaction to a save.
Big goaltenders that are 6’0’ or up can afford to go down and still cover net if they are in deep in the crease or move laterally if they are down before a shot is taken.
This “pro style” may be something that is worked toward as goaltenders get toward their full height. Beforehand though it is most effective to work on foot speed, agility and reflexes along with positioning to cover as much net as possible and still respond as players move laterally on in closer with the puck.
A great goaltender to watch who was not that tall but was able to stay square, had excellent lateral foot movement, had excellent reflexes, was able to scramble and was also able to employ the butterfly as a save technique when appropriate, was former New York Ranger Mike Richter who was listed as 5’10’’.
Mr. Richter won the Cup with the Rangers in ’94, Played for Team USA for a number of Olympics and International Competitions.
Others are Tim Thomas, presently of the Boston Bruins who is also 5’10’’ and Jeff Lerg who won the NCAA championship with Michigan State in 2006-2007. Mr. Lerg is a diminutive 5’ 6’’.
Mike Richter - Former NYR
Jeff Lerg - Michigan State University
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