Greatest Hockey Goalies Of All Time
When it comes to ice hockey, goaltenders are the last line of defense. Over the years, there have been many legendary goalies who have made their mark on the game. Here is a comprehensive list of the greatest goaltenders of all time.
1. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk is widely considered as the greatest goaltender of all time. He played for 21 seasons in the NHL and won four Stanley Cup championships. Sawchuk was known for his incredible reflexes and was one of the first goalies to wear a mask. He set a record for most shutouts in a season with 12 in the 1950-51 season, which still stands today. Sawchuk retired with 447 wins and a career goals-against average of 2.51.
2. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is considered one of the best goalies in NHL history. He played for 19 seasons and won four Stanley Cups, two with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Colorado Avalanche. He won the Conn Smythe trophy three times and was known for his clutch performances in the playoffs. His career stats include 551 wins, a 2.54 goals-against average, and 66 shutouts.
3. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is one of the most successful goalies in NHL history. He played for 22 seasons with the New Jersey Devils and won three Stanley Cups. Brodeur holds the record for most wins by a goalie with 691 and the record for most shutouts with 125. He was known for his durability and consistency, and his puck handling skills revolutionized the game. His career goals-against average was 2.24.
4. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek is one of the most unique goalies in NHL history. He played for 16 seasons and won two Stanley Cups. Hasek was known for his unorthodox style and his ability to make acrobatic saves. He won the Vezina trophy six times and the Hart trophy twice, becoming the only goalie to win the Hart trophy consecutively. His career goals-against average was 2.20.
5. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante is considered one of the most innovative goalies in NHL history. He played for 17 seasons and won six Stanley Cups. Plante was the first goalie to regularly wear a mask, and he also popularized the use of the butterfly style of play. He won the Vezina trophy seven times and had a career goals-against average of 2.38.
6. Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden is one of the most successful goalies in NHL history. He played for eight seasons and won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. Dryden was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to rise to the occasion in big games. He won the Vezina trophy five times and had a career goals-against average of 2.24.
7. Johnny Bower
Johnny Bower is considered one of the best goalies of his era. He played for 12 seasons and won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bower was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to play well in clutch situations. He won the Vezina trophy twice and had a career goals-against average of 2.51.
8. Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall is considered one of the greatest goalies of all time. He played for 18 seasons and won three Stanley Cups, two with the Detroit Red Wings and one with the Chicago Blackhawks. Hall was known for his incredible endurance and his ability to play in back-to-back games without a break. He won the Vezina trophy three times and had a career goals-against average of 2.49.
9. Ed Belfour
Ed Belfour is one of the most successful goalies in NHL history. He played for 17 seasons and won two Stanley Cups, one with the Dallas Stars and one with the Chicago Blackhawks. Belfour was known for his aggressive style and his ability to make big saves. He won the Vezina trophy twice and had a career goals-against average of 2.50.
10. Billy Smith
Billy Smith is considered one of the best playoff goalies of all time. He played for 17 seasons and won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders. Smith was known for his aggressive style and his ability to get under the skin of opposing players. He won the Vezina trophy once and had a career goals-against average of 3.17.
These ten goaltenders have left an unforgettable mark on the game of ice hockey. Each one brought their own unique skillset and style to the game, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of goalies.
