Greatest Hockey Goalie Of All Time
When it comes to hockey, the goalie is often considered the backbone of a team. They are the last line of defense and have the responsibility of keeping the puck out of the net. Over the years, there have been many great goalies who have made their mark in the sport. In this article, we will take a look at the greatest hockey goalies of all time.
1. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk is often considered the greatest goalie of all time. He played for 21 seasons and won four Stanley Cups. He also won four Vezina Trophies, which is awarded to the league's top goaltender. Sawchuk was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to play through injuries. He sadly passed away at the young age of 40 due to injuries suffered in a fight.
2. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante played for 18 seasons and won six Stanley Cups. He was the first goalie to regularly wear a mask, which he introduced after getting hit in the face with a puck. Plante was known for his unorthodox style and his ability to handle the puck. He won the Vezina Trophy seven times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978.
3. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy played for 19 seasons and won four Stanley Cups. He was known for his fierce competitiveness and his ability to come up with big saves in clutch situations. Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, which is awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs. He also won the Vezina Trophy three times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.
4. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur played for 22 seasons and won three Stanley Cups. He holds the record for the most wins by a goaltender with 691. Brodeur was known for his great positioning and his ability to handle the puck. He won the Vezina Trophy four times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
5. Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden played for eight seasons and won six Stanley Cups. He had a winning percentage of .790, which is the highest in NHL history. Dryden was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to make difficult saves look easy. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1971 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
6. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek played for 16 seasons and won two Stanley Cups. He was known for his unorthodox style and his ability to make saves in unusual ways. Hasek won the Vezina Trophy six times and the Hart Trophy twice, which is awarded to the league's most valuable player. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.
7. Bernie Parent
Bernie Parent played for 13 seasons and won two Stanley Cups. He was known for his quick reflexes and his ability to make acrobatic saves. Parent won the Vezina Trophy two times and the Conn Smythe Trophy two times. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984.
8. Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall played for 18 seasons and won three Stanley Cups. He was known for his durability, as he played in 502 consecutive games. Hall was also known for his calm demeanor and his ability to anticipate plays. He won the Vezina Trophy three times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975.
9. Ed Belfour
Ed Belfour played for 17 seasons and won two Stanley Cups. He was known for his unorthodox style and his ability to make saves in unconventional ways. Belfour won the Vezina Trophy twice and the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the league's top rookie. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
10. Billy Smith
Billy Smith played for 18 seasons and won four Stanley Cups. He was known for his aggressive style and his ability to intimidate opposing players. Smith won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1983 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.
In conclusion, these goalies have left a lasting impact on the sport of hockey. Each one has their own unique style and their own set of accomplishments. However, they all share the common trait of being the backbone of their respective teams. Their contributions have helped shape the game into what it is today.
