Top 10 Hockey Goalies Of All Time
The position of the goalie is one of the most crucial in ice hockey. Goalies are the last line of defense, and their performance can make or break a game. Over the years, there have been many great goalies, but only a select few have earned the title of the best of all time. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 hockey goalies of all time.
1. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is widely regarded as the greatest goaltender of all time. He won four Stanley Cups (two with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Colorado Avalanche) and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP three times. Roy was known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to elevate his game in big moments.
2. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is another goalie who is often mentioned in discussions of the greatest of all time. He spent the majority of his career with the New Jersey Devils, winning three Stanley Cups and setting numerous records along the way. Brodeur was known for his consistency and his ability to play the puck, which helped him to revolutionize the position.
3. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk played in the NHL from 1949 to 1970 and won four Stanley Cups during his career. He was known for his durability and his ability to make acrobatic saves. Sawchuk was also known for his toughness; he played with a number of injuries and once had his face reconstructed after being hit with a puck.
4. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek is often referred to as "The Dominator" because of his incredible skill between the pipes. He played for a number of teams during his career, including the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings, and won two Hart Trophies as the NHL's MVP. Hasek was known for his unorthodox style, which often involved diving and sprawling to make saves.
5. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante was a trailblazer in the goaltending position, and is often credited with inventing the modern goalie mask. He won six Stanley Cups during his career, including five with the Montreal Canadiens. Plante was known for his technical skill and his ability to read the play, which allowed him to anticipate shots and make saves.
6. Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden played for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1970s, and helped lead the team to six Stanley Cups. He was known for his size (6'4") and his calm approach to the game. Dryden was also a great communicator on the ice, and was known for his ability to direct his defensemen and control the flow of the game.
7. Billy Smith
Billy Smith was the goalie for the New York Islanders during their dynasty in the early 1980s, and helped lead the team to four consecutive Stanley Cups. He was known for his aggressive style and his ability to get under the skin of his opponents. Smith also had a knack for making big saves in clutch situations.
8. Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall played for the Detroit Red Wings, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the St. Louis Blues during his career, and won two Stanley Cups. He was known for his durability and his ability to play a lot of games without getting tired. Hall was also known for his consistent play and his ability to make saves look easy.
9. Bernie Parent
Bernie Parent played for the Philadelphia Flyers during their two consecutive Stanley Cup wins in the mid-1970s, and was a key part of the team's success. He was known for his aggressive style and his ability to make clutch saves when it mattered most. Parent was also a great puck-handler, which helped his team to transition from defense to offense quickly.
10. Patrick Lalime
Patrick Lalime had a long and successful career in the NHL, playing for a number of teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators. He was known for his consistency and his ability to keep his team in games, even when they were outmatched. Lalime was also a great communicator on the ice, and was able to direct his defensemen effectively.
In conclusion, these goalies are the cream of the crop when it comes to the NHL. Each of them brought something unique to the position, whether it was technical skill, physical prowess, or mental toughness. As we continue to watch hockey and witness the performances of today's goalies, it is important to remember the legends who paved the way for the sport we love.
