Initial sticks closely resembled field-hockey sticks. Later, blades got longer and squarer. Finally, the stick shaft extended, allowing players to play at a more upright body position. But Hilborn ...

Hockey stick blades come in a variety of curves, but during the Olympic Games, players are required to use blades with less severe curves than what is allowed in the NHL. A legal blade in the NHL can ...

Result: The Islanders are playing faster hockey (a necessity in the NHL), are breaking the puck out of their defensive zone ...

Their sticks with curved blades gave them an edge over opposing goalkeepers. In 1960s, Mikita led the league in scoring four times. The curved blade was not the only piece of hockey equipment ...