The top 10 goalies in NHL history
By Jayson Panganiban April 30, 2024 10:58
Ice hockey has seen legendary goaltenders who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Here, we present an overview of the top 10 goalies in NHL history, highlighting their remarkable careers, statistics, records, and impact on the game.
1. Martin Brodeur
Career Overview Martin Brodeur, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalies in NHL history, spent the majority of his career with the New Jersey Devils.
He holds multiple NHL records, including most regular-season wins, most shutouts, and most games played by a goalie.
Achievements and Impact Brodeur's exceptional puck-handling skills revolutionized the goaltending position, earning him the nickname "Marty Brodeur."
His impact on the game extended beyond his outstanding statistics, as he redefined the role of a goaltender by actively participating in offensive plays.
2. Patrick Roy
Career Overview Patrick Roy's illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche.
He is a four-time Stanley Cup champion and holds the record for most playoff wins by a goalie.
Achievements and Impact Roy's competitive spirit and clutch performances in high-pressure situations solidified his reputation as one of the greatest playoff goaltenders in NHL history.
His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments earned him the nickname "St. Patrick."
3. Dominik Hasek
Career Overview Known for his unorthodox style and acrobatic saves, Dominik Hasek made a significant impact during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings. He's a two-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy and six-time Vezina Trophy recipient.
Achievements and Impact Hasek's unmatched agility and reflexes allowed him to make seemingly impossible saves, earning him the moniker "The Dominator."
4. Terry Sawchuk
Career Overview Terry Sawchuk's career spanned three decades, during which he played for several NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He holds the record for most shutouts in a career.
Achievements and Impact Sawchuk's stoic demeanor and exceptional consistency in net made him a trailblazer in the art of goaltending.
His 103 career shutouts stood as an unbreakable record for decades, cementing his status as one of the greatest goalies of his era.
5. Jacques Plante
Career Overview Jacques Plante, a pioneer in the use of a goaltender mask, played for various NHL teams, most notably the Montreal Canadiens.
He was a key figure in revolutionizing the equipment and techniques used by goaltenders.
Achievements and Impact Plante's innovation in adopting a facial mask for protection not only changed the game but also saved countless future goaltenders from serious injury.
6. Glenn Hall
Career Overview Glenn Hall, known for his incredible durability and consistency, played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues. He popularized the butterfly style of goaltending.
Achievements and Impact Hall's remarkable streak of 502 consecutive starts in goal remains an NHL record, showcasing his unparalleled durability and reliability.
7. Ken Dryden
Career Overview Ken Dryden, a key figure in the dominant Montreal Canadiens teams of the 1970s, achieved remarkable success in a relatively short NHL career. He won the Stanley Cup six times in his eight-year tenure.
Achievements and Impact Dryden's calm and composed demeanor, combined with his exceptional positional play, enabled him to achieve unparalleled success in a short span of time.
8. Tony Esposito
Career Overview Tony Esposito, known for his exceptional reflexes and consistency, spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Black Hawks. He won the Vezina Trophy three times and recorded 76 shutouts in his career.
Achievements and Impact Esposito's ability to make acrobatic saves and his remarkable consistency in net made him a formidable force during his era.
9. Billy Smith
Career Overview Billy Smith, a cornerstone of the New York Islanders' dynasty in the early 1980s, was known for his aggressive style of play and ability to elevate his performance in crucial moments, earning him the nickname "Battlin' Billy."
Achievements and Impact Smith's intense competitiveness and clutch performances in the playoffs were instrumental in the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cup victories.
10. Martin "Marty" Turco
Career Overview Martin Turco, known for his puck-handling skills and ability to play the puck outside the crease, played the majority of his career with the Dallas Stars. He redefined the modern goaltender's role by actively participating in the team's breakout and offensive plays.
Achievements and Impact Turco's innovative puck-handling abilities and his influence on the modern goaltender's playing style have left a lasting impact on the position.
His contributions to the game, both in terms of statistics and redefining the role of a goaltender, earn him a place among the top NHL goalies in history.
These top 10 goalies in NHL history have not only achieved remarkable individual success but have also left an indelible impact on the sport of ice hockey.
Their contributions, innovations, and exceptional performances have shaped the game and continue to inspire future generations of goaltenders.
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