Best Hockey Goalie In The World
Introduction
There's no denying that hockey is one of the most exciting sports in the world. From the fast-paced gameplay to the intense rivalries, there's no shortage of things to get excited about in the NHL. And while every player on the ice is important, there's one position that stands out above the rest - the goalie. A great goalie can make all the difference in a game, but who is the best hockey goalie in the world? In this article, we'll take a look at the top goalies in the game and what sets them apart.
The Criteria
Before we dive into our list of the best hockey goalies in the world, it's important to establish some criteria for what makes a great goalie. Here are a few things we considered:
- Save percentage - how often does the goalie make a save?
- Goals-against average - how many goals does the goalie allow per game?
- Wins - how many games has the goalie won?
- Trophies and awards - has the goalie won any major awards like the Vezina Trophy?
- Overall impact on the game - how much of a difference does the goalie make in their team's overall performance?
The Best Hockey Goalies In The World
1. Andrei Vasilevskiy
At just 26 years old, Andrei Vasilevskiy has already established himself as one of the top goalies in the NHL. Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vasilevskiy has an impressive save percentage of .919 and a goals-against average of 2.52. He's also won the Vezina Trophy twice in his young career, solidifying his status as one of the best goalies in the game today.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury
With over 850 games played in his career and three Stanley Cup championships under his belt, Marc-Andre Fleury is a veteran goalie with plenty of accolades to his name. Currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, Fleury has a save percentage of .913 and a goals-against average of 2.53. He's also won the Vezina Trophy once and has been named to the NHL All-Star team multiple times.
3. Carey Price
Another veteran goalie with an impressive list of accomplishments, Carey Price has been a dominant force in the NHL for over a decade. Currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Price has a save percentage of .917 and a goals-against average of 2.50. He's also won the Vezina Trophy once and has been named to the NHL All-Star team seven times.
4. Tuukka Rask
Playing for the Boston Bruins, Tuukka Rask has been one of the team's most important players since he joined the NHL in 2007. With a save percentage of .921 and a goals-against average of 2.28, Rask is widely considered one of the best goalies in the game. He's also won the Vezina Trophy once and has been named to the NHL All-Star team twice.
5. Connor Hellebuyck
At just 27 years old, Connor Hellebuyck is one of the youngest goalies on our list, but he's already making a name for himself in the league. Playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck has a save percentage of .917 and a goals-against average of 2.57. He's also been named to the NHL All-Star team twice and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in the 2017-18 season.
The Verdict
So, who is the best hockey goalie in the world? It's hard to say for sure, as all of the goalies on our list have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, it's clear that Andrei Vasilevskiy, Marc-Andre Fleury, Carey Price, Tuukka Rask, and Connor Hellebuyck are all among the top goalies in the game today. Whether you're a fan of any of these teams or just appreciate great hockey, there's no denying the impact that a great goalie can have on a game.