Greatest Goaltenders in NHL History for Every Team
Martin Brodeur won three Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils and was selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.If there’s a more thankless, underappreciated and important job than hockey goaltender in all of team sports, it escapes us at the moment. Sort of like a Shea Weber 106.5-miles-per-hour slap shot through the screen.
On a nightly basis, these gluttons for punishment volunteer to stand in front of pieces of hard vulcanized rubber, many of them lasers at 90 miles per hour or more. While some large humans circle them like Jaws around a 4-by-6 steel cage.
When a puck gets past them, lights flash and sirens blare as if to scream "The goalie sucks!" in public. Then some overweight broadcaster who has never played a shift in his life pontificates from above, "Boy, he sure wishes he had that one back!”
As a tribute to these masked (and unmasked) men, we’ve selected the best goaltenders ever with a twist. It takes more than one goalie to win these days, so the top pair have been chosen for each of the 31 NHL franchises. Then those 62 are ranked against each other. OK, let's fire away.
Note: A minimum of 200 games played (where possible) is needed to qualify. Statistics are for the listed franchises only and complete through the 2019-20 NHL All-Star break. Those with asterisks are incomplete.
62. Malcolm Subban — Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Malcolm Subban blocks a shot against the Dallas Stars in 2019.Career: 2014-present (5 seasons)
Other teams: Boston Bruins (2014-17)
Years with Golden Knights: 2017-present (3 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Golden Knights : 59
Record: 27-21-7
Goals-against average: 2.87
Save percentage: .904
Point shares/82 games: 11.5
Bottom line: This expansion franchise hasn’t been around long, but somebody has to be here.
Next man up for Golden Knights: None
61. Steve Mason — Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason plays against the Montreal Canadiens in 2008.Career: 2008-18 (10 seasons)
Other teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2012-17), Winnipeg Jets (2017-18)
Years with Blue Jackets: 2008-13 (5 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Blue Jackets: 232
Record: 96-99-27
Goals-against average: 2.90
Save percentage: .903
Points shares/82: 11.6
Bottom line: Whatever happened to this guy after a stellar Calder Trophy season (33-20-7/2.29/.916) remains one of the unsolved mysteries in the sport.
Lack of performance and physical problems hastened his retirement.
Next man up for Blue Jackets: Marc Denis
60. Kirk McLean — Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks goalie Kirk McLean thwarts a shot on goal against the Los Angeles Kings in 1995.Career: 1985-2001 (16 seasons)
Other teams: New Jersey Devils (1985-87), Carolina Hurricanes (1997-98), Florida Panthers (1997-99), New York Rangers (1999-2001)
Years with Canucks: 1987-98 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Canucks: 516
Record: 211-228-62
Goals-against average: 3.28
Save percentage: .887
Point shares/82: 11.6
Bottom line: Granted, his raw numbers aren't much, but remember, most of them came in the live puck era.
The sixth-round draft pick helped carry his team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance after a 23-26-3 record in the regular season.
Next man up for Canucks: Dan Cloutier
59. Patrick Lalime — Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators goaltender Patrick Lalime makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes in 2000.Career: 1996-2011 (12 seasons)
Other teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (1996-97), St. Luis Blues (2005-06), Chicago Blackhawks (2006-08), Buffalo Sabres (2008-11)
Years with Senators: 1999-2004 (5 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Senators: 283
Record: 146-100-30
Goals-against average: 2.32
Save percentage: .908
Point shares/82: 12.4
Bottom line: Roy-lime (after his idol Patrick Roy, natch) is the Senators' franchise leader in win percentage, goals-against average and shutouts.
Get this: His postseason GAA (1.77 is the best of any player in the expansion era.
Now for a shoutout to Dominik Hasek, who might have been the pick if not for health issues in his only season with the team.
58. Ondrej Pavelec — Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets
Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec in action against the St. Louis Blues in 2009.Career: 2007-18 (11 seasons)
Other teams: New York Rangers (2017-18)
Years with Thrashers/Jets: 2007-17 (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Thrashers/Jets: 379
Record: 152-158-47
Goals-against average: 2.87
Save percentage: .907
Point shares/82 games: 12.6
Bottom line: This guy deserves a gold star for his four seasons with the expansion Thrashers alone.
Next man up for Thrashers/Jets: Kari Lehtonen
57. Arturs Irbe — Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Arturs Irbe defends the goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998.Career: 1991-2004 (13 seasons)
Other teams: San Jose Sharks (1991-96), Dallas Stars (1996-97), Vancouver Canucks (1997-98)
Years with Hurricanes: 1998-2004 (six seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: none
Games with Hurricanes: 309
Record: 130-122-44
Goals-against average: 2.44
Save percentage: .906
Point shares/82: 12.7
Bottom line: His Canes career was spent in his 30s, but the 5-foot-8 mighty mite came up large more times than not.
He ranks second in every major category in team history.
Next man up with Hurricanes: Sean Burke
56. Marty Turco — Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco deflects a shot against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 2002.Career: 2000-12 (12 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2010-11), Boston Bruins (2011-12)
Years with Stars: 2000-2010 (9 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Stars: 509
Record: 262-154-63
Goals-against average: 2.31
Save percentage: .911
Point shares/82: 13.0
Bottom line: This Michigan man has the most victories of any goaler in club history.
And his 2.17 GAA in the playoffs is much better than his record (21-26) would have us believe.
Next man up for Stars: Kari Lehtonen
55. Chris Terreri — New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils goaltender Chris Terreri gloves the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2000.Career: 1986-2001 (14 seasons)
Other teams: San Jose Sharks (1995-97), Chicago Blackhawks (1996-98), New York Islanders (2000-01)
Years with Devils: 1986-96, 1998-2001 (12 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1995
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Devils: 302
Record: 118-118-34
Goals-against average: 3.07
Save percentage: .892
Point shares/82: 13.4
Bottom line: Martin Brodeur’s caddie was the definition of mediocrity — 118-118-34 in the regular season, 11-11 in the playoffs — yet he still ranks second in wins in franchise history.
T-bone fun fact: He played eight minutes in the 1995 postseason and got his name engraved into the Stanley Cup forever.
Next man up for Devils: Cory Schneider
54. Mike Liut — St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues goaltender Mike Liut blocks a shot against the Philadelphia Flyers in 1981.Career: 1979-1992 (15 seasons)
Other teams: Hartford Whalers (1984-90), Washington Capitals (1989-92)
Seasons with Blues: 1979-85 (6 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Blues: 347
Record: 151-133-52
Goals-against average: 3.59
Save percentage: .885
Point shares/82: 14.0
Bottom line: While his numbers took a hit in the live puck era, "Goals aren’t important — wins are," as The Fonz look-alike once put it. And no goalie won more in Blues history than this one.
He also was the first at the position to be named league Most Valuable Player in a vote of the players, who chose him over Wayne Gretzky, no less.
Next man up for Blues: Jake Allen
53. Mike Vernon — Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames goalie Mike Vernon makes a save against the Buffalo Sabres in 2001.Career: 1982-2002 (19 seasons)
Other teams: Detroit Red Wings (1994-97), San Jose Sharks (1997-2000), Florida Panthers (1999-2000)
Years with Flames: 1982-94, 2000-02 (13 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1989)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Flames: 527
Record: 262-188-57
Goals-against average: 3.27
Save percentage: .883
Point shares/82: 11.1
Bottom line: They’ll argue who’s No. 1 in Cowtown until, well, the cows come home.
Miikka Kiprusoff owns most of the team records, but however reluctantly, Mike Vernon gets the nod as the best goaltender in Flames history because this bulldog hoisted the big prize.
How much does one Stanley Cup mean? If it’s the only one in the trophy case, then the answer is everything.
52. Evgeni Nabokov — San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov blocks against the Los Angeles Kings in 2007.Career: 1999-15 (14 seasons)
Other teams: New York Islanders (2011-14), Tampa Bay Lightning (2014-15)
Seasons with Sharks: 2000-10 (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Sharks: 563
Record: 293-178-66
Goals-against average: 2.39
Save percentage: .912
Point shares/82: 14.2
Bottom line: "Nabby" put up regular-season and postseason numbers that were quite similar before he was shown the door. After the veteran helped carry the team to the Western Conference finals for the first time ever.
C’mon, that’s no way to treat the best netminder in franchise history.
51. Ed Belfour — Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars goalie Ed Belfour denies the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 2002.Career: 1988-2007 (17 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (1988-97), San Jose Sharks (1996-97), Toronto Maple Leafs (2002-06), Florida Panthers (2006-07)
Years with Stars: 1997-2002 (five seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1999
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Stars: 307
Record: 160-95-44
Goals-against average: 2.19
Save percentage: .910
Point shares/82: 12.5
Bottom line: Few goalies had an extended run like Eddie "The Eagle" Belfour in the 1998-2000 playoffs for the Stars, when he won 40 games, pitched eight shutouts and outplayed Dominik Hasek in the 1999 championship round.
Oh, and Belfour also owns the best goals-against average in franchise history.
50. Niklas Backstrom — Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom covers the puck against the Nashville Predators in 2006.Career: 2006-16 (10 seasons)
Other teams: Calgary Flames (2015-16)
Years with Wild: 2006-15 (9 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Wild: 409
Record: 194-142-50
Goals-against average: 2.48
Save percentage: .915
Point shares/82: 14.7
Bottom line: The Fin didn’t sign his first pro contract until he was 27 years old, or else he would have done more.
As it was, he did enough to rank among the top two in every major category on the franchise all-time list.
Next man up for Wild: Manny Fernandez
49. Antti Niemi — San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi defends the goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010.Career: 2008-19 (11 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2008-10), Dallas Stars (2015-17), Pittsburgh Penguins (2017-18), Florida Panthers (2017-18), Montreal Canadiens (2017-19)
Seasons with Sharks: 2010-15 (5 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Sharks: 296
Record: 163-92-35
Goals-against average: 2.40
Save percentage: .917
Point shares/82: 14.8
Bottom line: The Finnish flash won 31 or more games four times in a span of five seasons.
His 2013 postseason performance (7-4/1.87/.930) ranks among the best in franchise history.
Next man up for Sharks: Martin Jones
48. Ron Hextall — Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ron Hextall blocks a shot against the New York Rangers in 1995.Career: 1986-1999 (13 seasons)
Other teams: Quebec Nordiques (1992-93). New York Islanders (1993-94)
Seasons with Flyers: 1986-92, 1994-99 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 1987
Games with Flyers: 489
Record: 240-172-58
Goals-against average: 2.91
Save percentage: .895
Point shares/82: 12.8
Bottom line: "Hexie" was the rare goalie who played his best hockey in his 30s, not 20s.
Then again, the franchise wins leader didn’t do much by the book.
He was the first NHL goalie to actually shoot the puck into the opposite net for a goal.
Next man up for Flyers: Steve Mason
47. Olaf Kolzig — Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig defends a shot against the Detroit Red Wings in 1998.Career: 1989-2009 (17 seasons)
Other teams: Tampa Bay Lightning (2008-09)
Years with Panthers: 1989-2008 (16 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 2000
Games with Capitals: 711
Record: 301-293-86
Goals-against average: 2.70
Save percentage: .906
Point shares/82: 14.0
Bottom line: "Olie The Goalie" was even better in the playoffs, where he produced a 2.14 save percentage, .917 save percentage and memorable 1998 performance.
Next man up for Capitals: Don Beaupre
46. Devan Dubnyk — Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk stops the puck against the Calgary Flames in 2019.Career: 2009-present (11 seasons)
Other teams: Edmonton Oilers (2009-14), Nashville Predators (2013-14), Arizona Coyotes (2014-15)
Years with Wild: 2014-present (6 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Wild: 322
Record: 174-110-28
Goals-against average: 2.39
Save percentage: .918
Point shares/82: 14.9
Bottom line: Eighteen goalies have made appearances in the short and inglorious history of the franchise — where have you gone, Dieter Kochan? — so there’s not a lot to choose from here.
At his current rate, Dubie will overtake Niklas Backstrom as the all-time franchise leader in virtually every major category in the 2020-21 season.
45. Ben Bishop — Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop makes a save against the Ottawa Senators in 2013.Career: 2008-present (11 seasons)
Other teams: St. Louis Blues (2008-11), Ottawa Senators (2011-13), Los Angeles Kings (2016-17), Dallas Stars (2017-present)
Seasons with Lightning: 2012-17 (5 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Lightning: 227
Record: 131-64-20
Goals-against average: 2.28
Save percentage: .921
Point shares/82: 15.2
Bottom line: "Big Ben" owns the best stats of any Bolts goaler, and to think that he did it without a Cup. Ouch, babe.
Next man up for Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy
44. Bill Ranford — Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Bill Ranford saves a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during a playoff game in 1990.Career: 1985-2000 (15 seasons)
Other teams: Boston Bruins (1985-87, 1995-97), Washington Capitals (1996-98), Tampa Bay Lightning (1998-99), Detroit Red Wings (1998-99)
Years with Oilers: 1987-96 (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1990
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Oilers: 449
Record: 167-193-54
Goals-against average: 3.51
Save percentage: .887
Point shares/82: 12.2
Bottom line: Two years after Wayne Gretzky headed to Los Angeles, this guy went on to become one of the most unlikely Conn Smythe Trophy winners ever.
No goalie logged more games with the Oilers, and only Grant Fuhr won more of them in an Edmonton sweater.
Next man up for Oilers: Tommy Salo
43. Connor Hellebuyck — Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck blocks a shot against the Nashville Predators in 2018.Career: 2015-present (5 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Jets: 244
Record: 235-134-75
Goals-against average: 2.64
Save percentage: .916
Point shares/82 games: 15.3
Bottom line: OK, so the one-time Atlanta Thrashers haven’t had a bunch of Dominik Haseks and Patrick Roys in their rather brief history. So we didn't put this guy here just for the Hellebuyck.
In four-plus seasons, he’s already the franchise leader in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts.
42. John Vanbiesbrouck — Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers goalie John Vanbiesbrouck deflects the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers.Career: 1981-2002 (20 seasons)
Other teams: New York Rangers (1981-93), Philadelphia Flyers (1998-2000), New York Islanders (2000-01), New Jersey Devils (2000-02)
Years with Panthers: 1993-98 (five seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: none
Games with Panthers: 268
Record: 106-108-43
Goals-against average: 2.58
Save percentage: .912
Point shares/82: 15.3
Bottom line: As the guy who gave this expansion franchise what it needed most — a veteran who could stand on his head in the 4-by-6 — "Beezer" was one of the most significant contributors in Panthers history.
His 55.6 goals saved above average in its debut season (1993-94) are the seventh most ever.
Next man up for Panthers: Tomas Vokoun
41. Marc-Andre Fleury — Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury deflects a shot against the Dallas Stars in 2019.Career: 2003-present (16 seasons)
Other teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (2003-17)
Years with Golden Knights: 2017-present (3 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Golden Knights: 135
Record: 280-42-12
Goals-against average: 2.46
Save percentage: .918
Point shares/82 games: 15.4
Bottom line: Only could a Vegas team be so lucky to have a future Hall of Fame goalie fall into its lap in the draft.
Hey, it didn’t pay a $550 million expansion fee for nothing, you know.
40. Tomas Vokoun — Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators goalie Tomas Vokoun against the Minnesota Wild in 2003.Career: 1996-2013 (15 seasons)
Other teams: Montreal Canadiens (1996-97), Florida Panthers (2007-11), Washington Capitals (2011-12), Pittsburgh Penguins (2012-13)
Years with Predators: 1999-2007 (8 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Predators: 383
Record: 161-159-46
Goals-against average: 2.55
Save percentage: .913
Point shares/82: 15.4
Bottom line: Yeah, his record isn’t much. Until you realize that the underrated Czech played with sub-.500 teams in his first five seasons with the team.
Really, he deserved to be one of the three stars just to show up at the arena.
Next man up for Predators: Mike Dunham
39. Semyon Varlamov — Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov makes a save during an intrasquad game in 2011.Career: 2008-present (12 seasons)
Other teams: Washington Capitals (2008-11), New York Islanders (2019-present)
Years with Avalanche: 2011-19 (eight seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: none
Games with Avalanche: 389
Record: 183-156-38
Goals-against average: 2.72
Save percentage: .915
Point shares/82: 15.5
Bottom line: Personally, I wouldn’t have traded the 11th pick in the draft for him — sniper Filip Forsberg in this case — but the trade could have turned out worse.
While inconsistent, "Varley" had fits of brilliance such as his 41-14-6/2.41/.927 slash line in the 2013-14 campaign.
Next man up for Avalanche: Peter Budaj
38. Craig Anderson — Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson makes a save against the Buffalo Sabres in 2011.Career: 2002-present (17 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2002-06), Florida Panthers (2006-09), Colorado Avalanche (2009-11)
Seasons with Senators: 2010-present (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Senators: 423
Record: 197-163-45
Goals-against average: 2.83
Save percentage: .914
Point shares/82: 15.5
Bottom line: Andy ranks No. 1 in games, victories and save percentage in club history.
He has put up a solid slashline (21-18/2.30/.928) in the postseason as well.
Next man up for Senators: Ray Emery
37. Mike Smith — Phoenix-Arizona Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith defends against the San Jose Sharks in 2011.Career: 2006-present (14 seasons)
Other teams: Dallas Stars (2006-08), Tampa Bay Lightning (2007-11), Calgary Flames (2017-19), Edmonton Oilers (2019-present)
Years with Coyotes: 2011-17 (six seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: none
Games with Coyotes: 312
Record: 128-132-41
Goals-against average: 2.69
Save percentage: .916
Point shares/82: 15.7
Bottom line: We agonized over Lindsay Middlebrook and Pokey Reddick for hours here. Just kiddin’, kids.
This two-time All-Star earned the runner-up spot for Coyotes on the strength of an impressive save percentage and lights-out 2011-12 season, when he put up a 38-18-10/2.21/.930 slashline.
Next man up for Coyotes: Nikolai Khabibulin
36. John Gibson — Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson against the San Jose Sharks in 2014.Career: 2013-present (seven seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Ducks: 272
Record: 133-96-31
Goals-against average: 2.50
Save percentage: .919
Point shares/82: 15.9
Bottom line: Numbers-wise, Johnny Hockey belongs on the short list of the best in the game even if he does fly under the radar.
Will he ever have enough support to hoist the biggest prize of all?
Stay tuned.
Next man up for Ducks: Jonas Hiller
35. Rogie Vachon — Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings goalie Rogie Vochon.Career: 1966-82 (16 seasons)
Other teams: Montreal Canadiens (1966-1972), Detroit Red Wings (1978-80), Boston Bruins (1980-82)
Years with Kings: 1971-78 (seven seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: none
Games: 389
Record: 171-148-66
Goals-against average: 2.86
Save percentage: .901
Point shares/82: 15.9
Bottom line: Rogie Vochon gave the Kings franchise something it had never had and desperately needed in its early years — a proven winner between the pipes.
He won more games than he lost in each of his six full seasons in Southern California, even though the team failed to break .500 in half of them.
Next man up for Kings: Kelly Hrudey
34. Miikka Kiprusoff — Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff blocks a shot against the Dallas Stars in 2005.Career: 2000-12 (12 seasons)
Other teams: San Jose Sharks (2000-03)
Years with Flames: 2003-13 (nine seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: none
Vezina Trophies: 2006
Games: 576
Record: 305-192-68
Goals-against average: 2.46
Save percentage: .913
Point shares/82: 14.9
Bottom line: The lack of a Stanley Cup is only void on Miikka Kiprusoff's resume.
That he gave up $5.8 million to retire rather than steal money for one season deserves a stick tap at least.
Next man up for Flames: Dan Bouchard
33. Pekka Rinne — Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne stops a shot against the Buffalo Sabres in 2015.Career: 2005-present (15 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 1 (2018)
Games with Predators: 646
Record: 354-194-73
Goals-against average: 2.40
Save percentage: .918
Point shares/82: 15.0
Bottom line: This Finn has been Georges Vezina in the regular season, "Pekka Trouble" in the playoffs.
He’s also the franchise statistical leader across the board, Stanley Cup or no stinkin' Stanley Cup.
32. Roberto Luongo — Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo blocks a shot against the St. Louis Blues in 2012.Career: 1999-2019 (19 seasons)
Other teams: New York Islanders (1999-2000), Florida Panthers (2000-06, 2013-19)
Years with Canucks: 2006-14 (8 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Canucks: 448
Record: 252-137-50
Goals-against average: 2.36
Save percentage: .919
Point shares/82: 16.3
Bottom line: The all-time franchise leader in nearly every category is the rare first-rounder (fourth overall) to live up to the hype between the pipes.
Bobby Lu fun fact: He and Marc-Andre Fleury are the only goalies to be No. 1 in wins with two teams.
31. Cam Ward — Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward deflects a shot against the Dallas Stars in 2014.Career: 2005-19 (14 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2018-19)
Years with Hurricanes: 2005-18 (13 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2006)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Hurricanes: 668
Record: 318-244-84
Goals-against average: 2.70
Save percentage: .909
Point shares/82: 13.4
Bottom line: We would love to give some love to the "Little Latvian," Arturs Irbe, here, but no way can we snub the 2006 Smythe Trophy winner, who hoisted the first (and most recent) Stanley Cup in Hurricanes team history.
True, Cam Ward didn’t meet through-the-roof expectations after his sensational rookie season, but he did well enough to be the franchise leader in games, career wins, save percentage and shutouts.
30. Mike Richter — New York Rangers
New York Rangers goalie Mike Richter stops a shot on goal against the Washington Capitals in 1999.Career: 1989-2003 (14 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1994)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Rangers: 666
Record: 301-258-73
Goals-against average: 2.89
Save percentage: .904
Point shares/82: 14.4
Bottom line: Henrik Lundqvist has the regular-season numbers to be here. It’s just that, um, you know, we’d like him to win something other than a best hair competition. His postseason record: 61-65.
We can’t bury the first Blueshirt goalie to raise the Stanley Cup in 54 years under Penn Station. Do you realize that, if not for Mike Richter, we still might hear those "Nine-teen For-ty!" chants every five minutes?
29. Ilya Bryzgalov — Arizona Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov makes a save against the Detroit Red Wings in 2011.Career: 2001-15 (14 seasons)
Other teams: Anaheim Ducks (2001-08, 2014-15), Philadelphia Flyers (2011-13), Edmonton Oilers (2013-14), Minnesota Wild (2013-14)
Years with Coyotes: 2007-11 (4 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Coyotes: 257
Record: 130-93-27
Goals-against average: 2.54
Save percentage: .917
Point shares/82: 16.7
Bottom line: At the time, Bryzzy was the best goalie waiver pickup since the Chicago Blackhawks stole Tony Esposito from the Montreal Canadiens three decades earlier.
While Ilya Bryzgalov's stay in the desert was a rather brief one, he played enough to be the franchise career leader in wins, goals-against average and save percentage.
28. Nikolai Khabibulin — Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin keeps his eye on the puck after making a save against the Calgary Flames in the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.Career: 1994-2014 (18 seasons)
Other teams: Winnipeg Jets (1994-96), Phoenix Coyotes (1996-99), Chicago Blackhawks (2005-09, 2013-14), Edmonton Oilers (2009-13)
Seasons with Lightning: 2000-04 (4 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2004)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Lightning: 192
Record: 83-74-28
Goals-against average: 2.39
Save percentage: .914
Point shares/82: 14.8
Bottom line: Ben Bishop has slightly better stats, but the "Bulin Wall" has the Stanley Cup hardware.
Don’t sleep on Andrei Vasilevskiy, though. If the 25-year-old reels in the big one with Tampa Bay, he’ll bump his fellow Russian off the top spot.
27. Sergei Bobrovsky — Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky looks on during a game against the Buffalo Sabres.Career: 2010-present (10 seasons)
Other teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2010-12), Florida Panthers (2019-present)
Years with Blue Jackets: 2012-19 (7 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 2 (2013, 2017)
Games with Blue Jackets: 374
Record: 213-130-27
Goals-against average: 2.41
Save percentage: .921
Points shares/82: 16.5
Bottom line: Bob left Columbus as the runaway franchise leader in every category from wins to goals-against average to save percentage to . . . postseason disappointments.
26. Curtis Joseph — St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues goaltender Curtis Joseph blocks a shot against the Chicago Blackhawks in 1993.Career: 1989-2009 (19 seasons)
Other teams: Edmonton Oilers (1995-98), Toronto Maple Leafs (1998-2002, 2008-09), Detroit Red Wings (2002-04), Calgary Flames (2007-08),
Seasons with Blues: 1989-95 (6 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Blues: 280
Record: 137-96-34
Goals-against average: 3.04
Save percentage: .907
Point shares/82: 17.5
Bottom line: Stanley Cup champion Jordan Binnington and finalist Glenn Hall didn’t have the longevity to be considered here. That left Curtis Joseph, Jake Allen, Grant Fuhr and Mike Liut as the eligible candidates.
We gave "Cujo" the edge because of his overall numbers, three brilliant seasons (1991-94), local popularity and a very cool protective mask.
He’ll keep the seat warm for now.
25. Ryan Miller — Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes.Career: 2002-present (17 seasons)
Other teams: St. Louis Blues (2013-14), Vancouver Canucks (2014-17), Anaheim Ducks (2017-present)
Years with Sabres: 2002-14 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 2010
Games with Sabres: 540
Record: 284-186-57
Goals-against average: 2.58
Save percentage: .916
Point shares/82: 16.5
Bottom line: Miller Time, wrong place. As consistent as he was over an extended stretch, his teams never advanced beyond Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Next man up for Sabres: Don Edwards
24. Roberto Luongo — Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo eyes a shot against the New Jersey Devils in 2015.Career: 1999-2019 (19 seasons)
Other teams: New York Islanders (1999-2000), Vancouver Canucks (2006-14)
Years with Panthers: 2000-06, 2013-19
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Panthers: 572
Record: 230-241-73
Goals-against average: 2.61
Save percentage: .919
Point shares/82: 17.8
Bottom line: John Vanbiesbrouck carried the team to its lone Stanley Cup Final appearance in only its third season of existence.
Tomas Vokoun is the franchise leader in career goals-against average (2.57) and save percentage (.923). We selected the guy who played and won more games than both of them combined.
That would be you, Bobby Lu.
23. Henrik Lundqvist — New York Rangers
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist makes a save against the New Jersey Devils in 2005.Career: 2005-present (15 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 2012
Games with Rangers: 882
Record: 458-308-96
Goals-against average: 2.43
Save percentage: .918
Point shares/82: 16.1
Bottom line: If "The King" had spent his entire career in, say, Arizona, would he still be a sure-fire Hall of Fame candidate? I say no.
But I watched "The Three Amigos" six times, so what the heck do I know?
Next man up for Rangers: Ed Giacomin
22. Tom Barrasso — Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tom Barrasso knocks away a shot against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in 1992.Career: 1983-2003 (19 seasons)
Other teams: Buffalo Sabres (1983-89), Ottawa Senators (1999-2000), Carolina Panthers (2001-02), Toronto Maple Leafs (2001-02), St. Louis Blues (2002-03)
Seasons with Penguins: 1988-2000 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1992-93
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Penguins: 460
Record: 226-153-53
Goals-against average: 3.27
Save percentage: .895
Point shares/82: 13.9
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Bottom line: Grant Fuhr Lite, I call him. Score five, he allowed four. Score two, he gave up one.
But you can’t spell Barrasso without the a-s-s, which costs him points on the ice of public opinion.
Not that he gives a flying puck or anything.
Next man up for Penguins: Matt Murray
21. Chris Osgood — Detroit Red Wings
Career: 1993-2011 (17 seasons)
Other teams: New York Islanders (2001-02), St. Louis Blues (2002-04)
Years with Red Wings: 1993-2001, 2007-09
Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1987, 1998, 2008)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Red Wings: 565
Record: 317-149-75
Goals-against average: 2.49
Save percentage: .905
Point shares/82: 12.0
Bottom line: You call him "Ozzie," I call him "Izzie." As in, is he Hall of Fame worthy?
Chris Osgood put up good numbers with several great teams in the regular season. But as much as some locals whined about him, he started with three Stanley Cup champions. That’s as many as Terry Sawchuk, who’s in the Hall of Fame, of course.
I say a 67-37/2.02/.918 postseason slashline gets Izzie in Toronto.
Next man up for Red Wings: Roger Crozier
20. Braden Holtby — Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby deflects a shot against the New Jersey Devils in 2010.Career: 2010-present (10 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2018)
Vezina Trophies: 1 (2016)
Games with Capitals: 448
Record: 274-114-44
Goals-against average: 2.50
Save percentage: .917
Point shares/82: 15.1
Bottom line: Normally, the guy who succeeds someone as popular and successful as Olaf Kolzig is destined to fail. This one-time Vezina Trophy-winner is the clear exception.
Braden Holtby's 2.09 goals-against average in the postseason ranks sixth in the expansion era and 16th overall.
19. Glenn Resch — New York Islanders
New York Islanders goaltender Glenn Resch slaps at the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during a playoff game in 1975.Career: 1973-87 (13 seasons)
Other teams: Colorado Rockies (1980-82), New Jersey Devils (1982-86), Philadelphia Flyers (1985-87)
Years with Islanders: 1973-81 (8 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1980)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Islanders: 282
Record: 157-69-47
Goals-against average: 2.56
Save percentage: .911
Point shares/82: 18.7
Bottom line: As many Isles diehards would agree, "Chico" is right where they want him, That is, as the backup to Billy Smith between the pipes.
If only coach Al Arbour had this kind of foresight in the 1978 and 1979 playoffs.
Next man up for Islanders: Rick DiPietro
18. Jean-Sebastien Giguere — Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere stops a shot against the Ottawa Senator in 2009.Career: 1996-2014 (17 seasons)
Other teams: Hartford Whalers (1996-97), Calgary Flames (1998-2000) Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-11), Colorado Avalanche (2011-14)
Years with Ducks: 2000-10 (9 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2007)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Ducks: 447
Record: 206-163-59
Goals-against average: 2.47
Save percentage: .914
Point shares/82: 15.6
Bottom line: Can there be any other than the franchise leader in wins and goals-against average?
"Jiggy" played out of his mind in the 2003 postseason, when the Smythe Trophy winner became the fourth goalie to receive the award with the team that lost the final round.
Four years later, he was nearly as good with the first and most recent Stanley Cup winner in franchise history.
17. Marc-Andre Fleury — Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury makes a save against the Washington Capitals in 2009.Career: 2006-present (14 seasons)
Other teams: Vegas Golden Knights (2017-present)
Seasons with Penguins: 2006-17 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2016, 2017)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Penguins: 691
Record: 375-216-68
Goals-against average: 2.58
Save percentage: .912
Point shares/82: 14.3
Bottom line: His best ability was remarkable durability, which allowed the future Hall of Famer to become the franchise leader in nearly every major category by a considerable margin.
While "The Flower" was known to wilt come playoff time, he did author the two most significant Game 7 victories in club history — the 2009 Stanley Cup Final and 2017 Eastern Conference semis.
16. Jonathan Quick — Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick plays against the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008.Career: 2007-present (13 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: 2 (2012, 2014)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Kings: 629
Record: 319-233-65
Goals-against average: 2.39
Save percentage: .913
Point shares/82: 13.2
Bottom line: Johnny B. Quick dominates the team record book much like he did the New Jersey Devils in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.
He ranked 19th in goals-against average and 29th in victories in league history at the start of the decade.
He can begin to write his Hall of Fame induction speech right now.
15. Gerry Cheevers — Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers makes a save against the Washington Capitals in 1978.Career: 1961-62, 1965-72, 1975-1980 (13 seasons)
Other teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (1961-62)
Years with Bruins: 1965-72, 1975-1980 (12 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Bruins: 416
Record: 226-103-76
Goals-against average: 2.89
Save percentage: .901
Point shares/82: 14.6
Bottom line: I chose "Cheesie" over Hall of Famers Frankie Brimsek for three reasons: his well-earned reputation as a money goaltender, record 32-game unbeaten streak and iconic protective mask.
If the tightwads upstairs hadn’t allowed him to bolt to the rival WHA after the 1971-72 season, there might be a couple or three more Stanley Cup banners in the TD Garden rafters today.
(Full disclosure: I was a Big, Bad Bruins addict in college.)
Next man up for Bruins: Frankie Brimsek
14. Tony Esposito — Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito makes a save against the St. Louis Blues in 1970.Career: 1968-84 (16 seasons)
Other teams: Montreal Canadiens (1968-69)
Years with Blackhawks: 1969-84 (15 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: None
Vezina Trophies: 3 (1970, 1972, 1974)
Games with Blackhawks: 873
Record: 418-302-148
Goals-against average: 2.93
Save percentage: .906
Point shares/82: 16.6
Bottom line: Don’t get me wrong here — Tony O is a worthy Hall of Famer. It’s just that he was Martin Brodeur before Martin Brodeur, a goalie who benefited greatly from a defense-first system and ample support in front of him.
His postseason slashline (45-53/3.09/.903) was rather modest but not entirely his fault.
He played 63-plus games in eight consecutive regular seasons.
Next man up for Blackhawks: Corey Crawford
13. Patrick Roy — Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy makes a glove save against the Florida Panthers in a 1996 Stanley Cup Final game.Career: 1985-2003 (17 seasons)
Other teams: Montreal Canadiens 1985-94 (9 seasons)
Years with Avalanche: 1995-2003 (8 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)
Vezina Trophies: None
Games with Avalanche: 478
Record: 262-140-65
Goals-against average: 2.27
Save percentage: .918
Point shares/82: 16.0
Bottom line: What happens when a pain-in-le-duc goalie and an inexperienced head coach who already had a bad history as teammates hook up again? One of the worst trades in puck history happens.
"Patty Wah" went on to complete his legacy as one of the all-time postseason greats — and the Canadiens haven’t been the same since.
12. Grant Fuhr — Edmonton Oilers
Grant Fuhr played 10 seasons with the Oilers.Career: 1981-2000 (19 seasons)
Other teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (1991-93), Buffalo Sabres (1992-95), Los Angeles Kings (1994-95), St. Louis Blues (1995-99), Calgary Flames (1999-2000)
Years with Oilers: 1981-91 (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
Vezina Trophies: 1 (1988)
Games with Oilers: 423
Record: 226-117-54
Goals-against average: 3.69
Save percentage: .883
Point shares/82: 13.7
Bottom line: Some believe this Hall of Famer is overrated because his stats are only somewhat impressive. Others say he’s underrated because he thrived in the live puck era.
But nobody can deny Grant Fuhr's five Stanley Cup titles, more than everyone except Ken Dryden and Jacques Plante at the position.
11. Billy Smith — New York Islanders
New York Islanders goalie Billy Smith blocks a shot against the Edmonston Oilers in 1983.Career: 1971-89 (18 seasons)
Other teams: Los Angeles Kings (1971-72)
Years with Islanders: 1972-89 (17 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980 1981, 1982, 1983)
Vezina Trophies: 1 (1982)
Games with Islanders: 674
Record: 304-230-104
Goals-against average: 3.16
Save percentage: .895
Point shares/82: 15.1
Bottom line: Uh, can we split this into two — the regular season and real season? OK, then give us the only goalie to start with four consecutive Stanley Cup champions in the expansion era.
That would be "The Axe," whose 57-13 record in the 1980-83 playoffs went beyond clutch.
10. Johnny Bower — Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Johnny Bower against the Detroit Red Wings in 1965.Career: 1953-70 (15 seasons)
Other teams: New York Rangers (1953-57)
Years with Maple Leafs: (12 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1962-64, 1967
Vezina Trophies: 1961, 1965
Games with Maple Leafs: 475
Record: 219-157-79
Goals-against average: 2.50
Save percentage: .922
Point shares/82: 16.1
Bottom line: If the main objective is to stop da puck, then "The China Wall" may be the best of the pre-expansion era.
Johnny Bower's career .9219 save percentage ranks behind only Dominik Hasek (.9223) since the mid-1950s, when it became an official statistic.
Bower also was in the 4-by-6 when the Maple Leafs won their last Stanley Cup. Wait — you mean the Maple Leafs won a Stanley Cup?!
Next man up for Maple Leafs: Curtis Joseph
9. Turk Broda — Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Walter "Turk" Broda sends a puck flying against the Boston Bruins in 1950.Career: 1936-52 (14 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1942, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951)
Vezina Trophies: 2 (1941, 1948)
Games with Maple Leafs: 629
Record: 304-222-102
Goals-against average: 2.53
Save percentage: Not available
Point shares/82: 15.7
Bottom line: The Maple Leafs lifer was known to take games off against lesser competition, but once the playoffs began, he was money.
Walter "Turk" Broda carried his team to within a 1-0 overtime loss in Game 7 of five consecutive Stanley Cup titles. By our count, he would have at least two Conn Smythe Trophies if there had been such things.
The two-time Vezina Trophy-winner ranks among the postseason leaders in goals-against average (1.98, ninth) and victories (60, 16th) in league history.
8. Tiny Thompson — Boston Bruins
Tiny Thompson led the Bruins to the 1929 Stanley Cup.Career: 1928-40 (12 seasons)
Other teams: Detroit Red Wings (1938-40)
Years with Bruins: 1928-38 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1929
Vezina Trophies: 4 (1930, 1933, 1936, 1938)
Games with Bruins: 468
Record: 252-153-63
Goals-against average: 1.99
Save percentage: Not available
Point shares/82: 16.5
Bottom line: First, let’s destroy a myth — Tiny was not tiny.
At 5-foot-10, he actually was one of the taller netminders of his time. And the best of the 1930s decade, too.
Only four goalies have more Vezina Trophies on their resume.
7. Martin Brodeur — New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012.Career: 1991-2015 (22 seasons)
Other teams: St. Louis Blues (2014-15)
Years with Devils: 1991-2014 (21 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1995, 2000, 2003)
Vezina Trophies: 4 (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008)
Games with Devils: 1,259
Record: 668-394-154
Goals-against average: 2.24
Save percentage: .912
Point shares/82: 13.4
Bottom line: To give you an idea of how long and well Martin Brodeur played in his career, he would rank 186th in career victories on his 100 shutouts alone.
He’s also the all-time league leader in minutes played, wins, shots against, saves, goals allowed and length of career (forever).
6. Glenn Hall — Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Black Hawks goalie Glenn Hall defends the net against the Detroit Red Wings in 1966.Career: 1952-71 (18 seasons)
Other teams: Detroit Red Wings (1952-57), St. Louis Blues (1967-71)
Years with Black Hawks: 1957-67 (10 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)
Vezina Trophies: 2 (1963, 1967)
Games with Blackhawks: 618
Record: 276-229-107
Goals-against average: 2.60
Save percentage: .916
Point shares/82: 15.7Chicago Blackhawks
Bottom line: Tony Esposito and Corey Crawford also are in the conversation, but for now, we’ll take "Mr. Goalie," the rock of the team that ended a 23-year Stanley Cup drought.
Glenn Hall also is the owner of the iron-man streak at the position (502 consecutive starts), which likely will stand for, oh, at least another 502 years.
5. Bernie Parent — Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers goalie Bernie Parent snags puck for a save against the Boston Bruins in 1974.Career: 1965-79 (13 seasons)
Other teams: Boston Bruins (1965-67), Toronto Maple Leafs (1970-72)
Seasons with Flyers: 1967-70, 1973-79 (9 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1974, 1975)
Vezina Trophies: 2 (1974, 1975)
Games with Flyers: 486
Record: 231-141-102
Goals-against average: 2.43
Save percentage: .917
Point shares/82: 18.0
Bottom line: Here’s the only goalie to achieve the ultimate triple-double — Vezina, Smythe and Stanley Cup Trophies in consecutive seasons.
Bernie Parent also ranks No. 1 in goals-against average in franchise history.
Yet his greatest achievement may be this: He was one of the few (only?) Broad Street Bullies who had your respect.
4. Terry Sawchuk — Detroit Red Wings
Terry Sawchuk played 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.Career: 1949-70 (21 seasons)
Other teams: Boston Bruins (1955-57), Toronto Maple Leafs (1964-67), Los Angeles Kings (1967-68), New York Rangers (1969-70)
Years with Red Wings: 1949-55, 1957-1964, 1968-69 (14 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1952, 1954, 1955, 1967)
Vezina Trophies: 4 (1952, 1953, 1955, 1965)
Games with Red Wings: 734
Record: 350-245-132
Goals-against average: 2.44
Save percentage: .904*
Point shares/82: 15.8
Bottom line: Chris Osgood would be No. 1 on many teams. Just not one that had this all-timer on it.
"Ukey" is on the short list of all-time NHL leaders in shutouts (81, second), wins (445, eighth) and trophies (one Calder, four Vezinas, four Stanley Cups) in league history.
3. Ken Dryden — Montreal Canadiens
Career: 1970-79 (8 seasons)
Other teams: None
Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
Vezina Trophies: 4 (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
Games with Canadiens: 397
Record: 258-57-74
Goals-against average: 2.24
Save percentage: .922
Point shares/82: 20.4
Bottom line: Here’s the greatest winner at any position in puck history.
The Habs boasted a crazy .665 win percentage and hoisted six Stanley Cups in Ken Dryden's eight seasons.
But if you think he’s a pretty good back-up, check out who's next.
Next man up for Canadiens: Patrick Roy
2. Dominik Hasek — Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek makes a stick save — and a beauty — in 1998.Career: 1990-2008 (16 seasons)
Other teams: Chicago Blackhawks (1990-92), Detroit Red Wings (2001-04, 2006-08), Ottawa Senators (2005-06)
Years with Sabres: 1992-2001 (9 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 2 (2002, 2008)
Vezina Trophies: 6 (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001)
Games with Sabres: 491
Record: 234-170-70
Goals-against average: 2.22
Save percentage: .926
Point shares/82: 19.4
Bottom line: If you insisted that "The Dominator" was the greatest netminder ever, the only argument would be his comparative lack of Stanley Cup titles (two late in his career) and unorthodox style that couldn’t be duplicated and therefore had little impact on the way the position was played.
If you wanted to make this about numbers, though, I would turtle immediately. Because no goalie has a resume quite like his — first in save percentage (.922), second in Vezina Trophies (six), sixth in shutouts (81) and seventh in goals-against average (2.20).
1. Jacques Plante — Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacques Plante in 1958.Career: 1952-65, 1968-73 (18 seasons)
Other teams: New York Rangers (1963-65), St. Louis Blues (1969-71), Toronto Maple Leafs (1970-73), Boston Bruins (1972-73)
Years with Canadiens: 1952-63 (11 seasons)
Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)
Vezina Trophies: 7 (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1969)
Games with Canadiens: 556
Record: 314-133-107
Goals-against average: 2.22
Save percentage: .920*
Point shares/82: 18.1
Bottom line: Of the 39 goalies in the Hall of Fame today, nine played with the Habs at one time or another. That’s almost one in four, people.
"Jake the Snake" gets the call as the best in franchise history based on statistical achievement (second in wins, goals-against average and shutouts in club history), Vezina Trophies (seven overall), Stanley Cups titles (six) and innovations (the protective mask among them) that did much to shape the position.