P28 Curve Explained: The Pastrnak Curve for Snipers & Danglers
The P28 is probably the most hyped curve in modern hockey – the pattern of danglers, snipers and quick-release artists. In the NHL, offensive stars like David Pastrnak, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and Nikita Kucherov all reach for this toe-heavy profile. In retail the P28 is often called the “McDavid curve” – slightly misleading, because McDavid himself plays a different, more central curve (towards the P90TM). But is the P28 the right curve for you? In this guide we break the P28 down completely: technology, on-ice feel, strengths, weaknesses, comparisons with other top curves – plus a self-check that tells you in 30 seconds whether the P28 suits your game.
What exactly is the P28?
The P28 is the toe curve: an open pattern whose curvature sits clearly towards the toe, with a relatively round toe shape. Precisely this combination makes it the specialist for fast, high-lifting shots off the toe and for creative puck handling. Together with the P88 (Kane) and the P92/P29 it is one of the three most searched curves in the world.
| Property | P28 |
|---|---|
| Curve type | Toe curve |
| Face | Open |
| Toe shape | Round |
| Curve depth | Medium to deep (at the toe) |
| Lie | 5.5 |
| Ideal for | Quick release, toe drags, dangles, lifting the puck |
| NHL reference | Pastrnak, Matthews, Eichel, Kucherov |
The technology behind the curve
To understand why the P28 plays the way it does, it is worth looking at three characteristics:
1. Toe curve. Because the curvature sits at the toe, the puck “snaps” off the toe on release. That creates the lightning-fast, hard-to-read release the P28 is famous for – ideal for surprising goalies while in motion.
2. Open face. The open face lifts the puck almost by itself. A blessing for quick shots into the upper half of the net – but flat, hard passes and slapshots demand more wrist control.
3. Round toe. The rounded toe is every dangler's best friend: toe drags, puck rolls and tight stickhandling moves come off more controlled than with a square toe.
If you want to dig deeper into lie, face and curve depth, you will find everything in our guide “Which curve is right for me?”.
How does the P28 play on the ice?
The P28 is a specialist – not an all-rounder. It shines on offence and asks for a bit more technique elsewhere. This is how we rate the individual disciplines:
Rating by the ABSHockey editorial team based on blade geometry and practical feedback. 5 = outstanding, 1 = weak.
Who is the P28 ideal for – and who not?
The honest answer: the P28 rewards technique and punishes sloppiness. It is perfect if you think offensively and define your shot through release speed rather than raw power.
| ✅ The P28 suits you if … | ❌ Probably not if … |
|---|---|
| you are a forward who shoots a lot in motion | you are a defenceman who needs hard, flat slapshots |
| you like a fast, high release | you rely heavily on your backhand |
| you enjoy dangling and toe drags | you are a beginner looking for a forgiving curve |
| you often lift the puck over a sprawling goalie | you have to receive many hard flat passes |
If you are only just experimenting with curves, the balanced P88 (Kane) is often the easier entry point – you can “grow into” the P28 once your technique is solid. If you want the toe advantages but need a bit more control, the P90TM is the middle ground.
🏒 Self-check: what type of player are you?
Open the type that fits you best – and see whether the P28 is your curve:
🎯 “I am a sniper & dangler – quick finishes, lots of moves”
The P28 is your match. Quick release, toe drags and lifting the puck are exactly its signature disciplines. Configure a SOYUZ with P28 →
🧊 “I am a defenceman – hard slapshots & a reliable backhand matter”
Probably not the P28. For flat slapshots and a strong backhand the P88 is the smarter choice.
🎬 “I am a playmaker – building plays & precise passing”
Borderline. If you pass a lot, the rounder P92/P29 is often more comfortable. But if you also want to finish dangerously, the P28 is worth a try.
⚖️ “I want the toe feel – but not quite this extreme”
Then take a look at the P90TM. It sits right between the P92 and the P28: fast release and toe dynamics, but more predictable in the rest of your game. To the P90TM guide →
🌱 “I am a beginner – I want a simple, forgiving curve”
Not the P28 yet. Start with the balanced P88 and switch to the P28 later once your technique is solid.
P28 compared to other top curves
No curve exists in a vacuum. This is how the P28 stacks up against the two other most played profiles:
| Feature | P28 | P92 / P29 | P88 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curve type | Toe | Mid | Mid |
| Face | Open | Open | Neutral |
| Release speed | Very fast | Fast | Medium |
| Backhand | Demanding | Decent | Very good |
| Difficulty | High | Medium | Low |
| Ideal for | Snipers & danglers | All-round shooters | All-rounders & beginners |
P28 vs. P92 / P29
The P92 (Bauer) and P29 (CCM) describe practically the same profile: a true mid curve with an open face, round and versatile – more good-natured on slapshots and pass reception than the P28. The P28 shifts everything to the toe: faster release, better toe dragging, but more demanding on the backhand. In short: P92/P29 = versatile shooter, P28 = specialised sniper. Worth knowing: at SOYUZ you get the P29 on every model, the P92 not on all – so if you are after this mid curve, the P29 is usually the simpler choice. More on this in the direct P29 vs P28 comparison and in the profile of Nico Hischier's stick.
P28 vs. P88
The P88 (Kane) is the most balanced curve there is: neutral face, top backhand, easy to play. The P28 sacrifices exactly that balance for peak offensive performance. Beginners do better with the P88; those looking for the next step move to the P28.
P28 vs. P90TM
The P90TM is the toned-down version of the same idea: also toe-heavy and open, but with the curvature a little further back. It delivers a large share of the P28 advantages on the release while staying considerably more predictable on passes, pass reception and backhand. For many players outside the top leagues that is the better compromise.
Advantages of the P28 at a glance
- Lightning-fast, hard-to-read release off the toe
- Outstanding puck handling – toe drags & dangles come off controlled
- Puck lifts effortlessly (lacrosse move, top-corner shots)
- A weapon for offensive forwards who finish in motion
Possible drawbacks
- Demanding backhand – requires clean technique
- Hard, flat slapshots are harder to control
- The open face takes practice on pass reception
- Tends to be too specialised for beginners
How to configure your SOYUZ with a P28 curve
At ABSHockey you build your stick fully to measure – including the P28 curve. After the curve you decide on the two other big variables:
👉 Flex: How much stiffness suits your weight and shooting style? Our flex guide explains it.
👉 Length: Find the right stick length in the length guide.
👉 Overview: All specs in one place in the ABSHockey stick guide.
Ready for your P28?
Configure your SOYUZ in Senior, Intermediate, Junior or Youth – curve, flex, length and name bar freely selectable.
Configure your custom stick → HIT GRIT ARCANEOur verdict on the P28
The P28 is not a curve for everyone – and that is exactly its strength. For offensive players who become dangerous through release speed, handling and creativity, there is hardly a better choice. Anyone who values a rock-solid backhand, hard flat slapshots or an easy entry point is better served by the P88 or P92/P29. Our tip: if your game is offensive and you are willing to invest a little technique, you will love the P28.
Frequently asked questions about the P28 curve
Is the P28 really the “McDavid curve”?
The nickname circulates in retail but is a little misleading: Connor McDavid actually plays a different, more central curve (towards the P90TM). The real P28 flagbearers are David Pastrnak, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and Nikita Kucherov. More important than the name is whether the profile suits your game anyway.
Is the P28 suitable for beginners?
Probably not. The open face and toe curve demand technique – especially on the backhand and pass reception. Beginners usually do better with the balanced P88.
What is the difference between the P28 and the P92/P29?
The P28 is a toe curve (curvature at the toe, quick release), the P92/P29 a mid curve (more central, rounder, more versatile). P92 and P29 are simply the Bauer and CCM designations for the same mid profile.
What is the difference between the P28 and the P90TM?
Both are toe-heavy with an open face. The P90TM has its curvature a little further back and is therefore more predictable on passes, pass reception and backhand – the P28 is the more uncompromising one on the release.
Which flex suits the P28?
The curve does not change your flex choice – that depends on weight, height and shooting style. Details in the flex guide.
Is the P28 good for slapshots?
For hard, flat slapshots it is not the first choice – the open face lifts the puck. For quick, high-placed shots in motion it is excellent.
More curve guides
- P92 / P29 – the most versatile curve in hockey
- P90TM – the blend of P28 and P92
- P86 / PRO9246 – the hybrid curve for offensive players
- P88 / Kane – the most balanced curve
- P91A / Drury – the heel curve for power
- P02 / Lidström – the classic for passing & shooting
- The Datsyuk curve explained
- Which curve is right for me?
