P90TM Curve – The Modern Mix Between P28 and P92

The P90TM is one of the most exciting modern blade curves in ice hockey. It was developed for players who do not want to choose strictly between P28 and P92. At ABSHockey, you can find this curve on our custom sticks under the name A90TM.

That is exactly where its strength lies: the P90TM combines characteristics of both popular patterns. It offers more toe performance and a quicker release than a classic P92, while often feeling more controlled than a very aggressive P28.

In short: the P90TM is a modern offensive curve for players who want to combine scoring threat, puck feel and versatility.

What Makes the P90TM So Special?

Many players describe the P90TM as:

• a more controlled P28
• a more offensive P92
• a modern middle ground for creative players
• a curve with a quick release and good control

The P90TM is especially interesting if the P92 feels a little too “normal” for you, but the P28 feels too extreme. It sits right in between and fits very well with today’s fast, offensive style of play. If you are generally unsure which blade pattern fits your game, check out our blade and curve guide.

Technical Characteristics of the P90TM

Curve: Mid-Toe / Toe-Heavy

The P90TM clearly leans toward a modern toe curve. This means the puck is guided more over the front part of the blade when shooting.

This helps especially with:

• quick wrist shots
• snapshots while moving
• shots from tight angles
• toe drags and quick changes of direction
• finishes directly after stickhandling

Loft: Relatively Open

The blade face of the P90TM is relatively open. This makes it easier to lift the puck compared to straighter curves like P88 or PM9.

This is a big advantage in front of the net, on quick releases and on shots from close range. You do not need as much wind-up to get the puck up quickly and dangerously.

Feel: A Mix Between P28 and P92

The P90TM feels like a mix between P28 and P92. It has more dynamic toe feel than a P92, but it is not quite as aggressive or demanding as a P28.

The result is a pattern that is very strong offensively, while still offering a good level of control. On our custom sticks, this curve is called A90TM and is currently available for senior custom sticks and intermediate custom sticks.

P90TM in Practice: How Does This Curve Play?

1. Quick Release

One of the biggest strengths of the P90TM is its quick release. Especially on modern shots where the puck is only on your blade for a short moment, this curve works very well.

A typical example: you receive a pass in the slot, pull the puck slightly toward your body and release a quick wrist shot. The P90TM helps you get the puck off your blade fast and elevate it with very little wind-up.

2. Strong on Shots While Moving

The P90TM is a great option for players who do not only shoot from a stationary position, but often release the puck while skating.

For example, on a rush down the wing: you come in with speed, pull slightly toward the middle and shoot while still moving. This is exactly the type of situation where the P90TM shows its strengths.

3. Dangerous in Tight Areas

In front of the net, in the slot or during quick plays along the boards, you often have very little time. The P90TM supports exactly these fast, short movements.

You can quickly pull the puck toward the toe of the blade, change the shooting angle and release immediately. This makes it especially interesting for offensive players who like to be creative.

4. Good Control, but Not Completely Neutral

Compared to the P28, the P90TM feels a little more controlled for many players. However, it is still a modern, offensive curve.

If you are coming from a P88 or PM9, you will likely need some time to adjust to the more open blade face and the toe-heavy feel. Passing, backhand plays and flat shots in particular may require a bit of adaptation.

Which Type of Player Is the P90TM Best For?

Offensive Players

The P90TM is especially well suited for offensive players who often look to shoot. Wingers, creative centers and players with a quick release can benefit a lot from this curve.

Players Choosing Between P92 and P28

This is probably the most interesting group for the P90TM.

If you have ever thought:

• “The P92 is good, but I want a bit more toe feel.”
• “The P28 is exciting, but maybe a little too extreme.”
• “I want a modern curve, but I still want to keep control.”

Then the P90TM is a very good option.

Modern Skill Players

Players with quick hands, tight puck control and creative movements often feel very comfortable with the P90TM. It supports quick actions, dekes and shots from unusual angles.

Who Is the P90TM Less Suitable For?

The P90TM is not the best choice for every type of player. It is less ideal for players who:

• want maximum control and neutrality
• play a lot on the backhand
• prefer flat, classic passes
• are still learning the basic shooting and passing technique
• want a very traditional blade feel

For these players, curves like P88 or PM9 are often easier and more predictable. Our stick guide can also help if you are unsure not only about the curve, but also about flex, stick length or kick point.

Strengths of the P90TM

• very quick release
• easy puck elevation
• strong for wrist shots and snapshots
• ideal for modern offensive players
• good middle ground between P92 and P28
• dangerous in tight scoring situations
• supports toe drags and creative plays

Weaknesses of the P90TM

• less neutral than P88 or PM9
• backhand plays can be more difficult
• flat passes require some feel
• not ideal for pure defensive players
• a little more demanding for beginners

P90TM vs. P92 vs. P28

Curve	Difficulty	Strengths	Weaknesses
P90TM / A90TM	Medium to high	Modern release, good mix of control and toe performance	Less neutral, backhand slightly more difficult
P92	Medium	Versatile, good puck elevation, popular all-round offensive curve	Can lift the puck too quickly for some players
P28	High	Extreme toe release, very dangerous quick shots	Demanding for passing, backhand plays and overall control
P88	Easy to medium	Very balanced, good control, strong for all-round players	Less specialized for quick toe releases
PM9	Easy to medium	Maximum control, strong backhand, very classic feel	Less help with high, quick releases

Which Well-Known Players Use the P90TM?

The P90TM is often associated with John Tavares. That is why it is sometimes also referred to as the “Tavares Curve”.

Important: The curves used by professional players are often individually customized. A retail P90TM is therefore not necessarily exactly identical to what an NHL player actually uses on the ice.

Still, the connection to Tavares gives a good idea of the type of player this curve is made for: technically strong, offensively dangerous, effective around the net and strong on quick releases.

Practical Examples: When Is the P90TM Especially Strong?

Example 1: Shot From the Slot

You receive a pass in the slot, have very little time and need to shoot immediately. The P90TM helps you get the puck onto the blade quickly and release it high with minimal movement.

Example 2: Rush Down the Wing

You come down the wing with speed, pull slightly toward the middle and shoot while moving. The open blade face and toe feel help you get the puck on net quickly and dangerously.

Example 3: Toe Drag and Shot

You pull the puck around a defender toward your body and shoot immediately after. This is exactly where the P90TM works very well, because it supports creative puck movement and quick releases.

Example 4: Finish in Front of the Net

In tight situations around the goalie, every split second matters. With the P90TM, you can lift the puck quickly and place it dangerously from close range.

Conclusion: Who Should Try the P90TM?

The P90TM is a modern offensive curve for players looking for a middle ground between P92 and P28. At ABSHockey, you can find this curve under the name A90TM.

It offers:

• quick release
• good support for high shots
• modern toe feel
• lots of potential for creative offensive plays
• more control than a very aggressive P28

If you think offensively, like shooting while moving and want a modern curve without going fully into the extremes of the P28, the P90TM is a very interesting choice.

In short: if the P92 feels too classic and the P28 feels too extreme, the P90TM might be exactly the right curve for you.

Want to try the A90TM? You can configure your senior custom stick or intermediate custom stick with A90TM here.