Technically Speaking.....

[Aaron]

Just wondering from some of you goalies. I play the butterfly technique. When you guys make a pad save, do you try to always get your stick on the puck when you butterfly? I see plenty of pro's and such do this. I would assume it helps steer the rebound. I make the pad save fine, but I think I should do this. Also, I seem to get "out of control" sometimes when making a long, reaching pad save. Is this just me? I think I need to stay back more in my crouch, so as not to fall forwards while making the save. Sometimes that shot comes so fast, I don't think I could get my stick on it.

[Squealagig]

I do get get my stick down there. I probably shouldn't but I have better control of where the puck goes if I use the stick rather than the pads. I just make sure that the stick always goes down after I'm sure the puck is going low and is not going to be deflected.

[Kuzma]

Depends on how far down my pads the shot will hit. If it's going to hit the middle, I leave it alone. If it's going to hit the toe or knee I'll try to get my stick there if I think I can get back in time.

[Bernie]

Depends on the situation. If there is no traffic immediately in front of me I'll steer with the stick, obviously the rebound control is far more accurate that way. If the puck may get tipped or redirected however, or there is someone close by to smack a rebound, I'll keep the stick at the 5 hole. It's amazing how often tipped pucks or second shots go through that 5 hole a split second after you move your stick from it, isn't it?

Bernie

[CKeelty]

Ideally I like to get my stick on everything (unless I'm gloving it) because it's easier to direct the puck with the stick. If you're really good with your pads you can direct with them. The first priority is of course always to make the save. Second priority is to keep yourself ready to make another save, third is to place the puck where you want it. Those go hand-in-hand, though.
I don't like to use my pads only for a lot of saves, because they can be unpredictable. But if you're good and you trust your pads and your ability, I don't see anything wrong with it.