15 Legendary NHL Goalies Who Redefined the Game

Goaltending is one of the most pivotal roles in hockey, often determining the outcome of a game through sheer skill and composure.

Over the decades, the position has seen numerous legendary players who have not only achieved great personal success but have also changed the way the game is played. In this article, we delve into the careers of the top 15 greatest NHL goaltenders of all time, exploring their achievements, playing styles, and lasting impact on the game.

15. Turk Broda

Turk Broda, a Toronto Maple Leafs legend, won five Stanley Cups and two Vezina Trophies during his 14-season NHL career. He was the first goaltender to reach 300 wins, finishing with a record of 304-222-102 and a 2.53 GAA. Broda’s playoff performances were particularly impressive, with 13 shutouts and a 1.98 GAA.

14. Bernie Parent

Bernie Parent was a dominant force in the 1970s, leading the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. He won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy both years, showcasing his exceptional skills. Parent’s career stats include 271 wins, 54 shutouts, and a 2.55 goals-against average, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984.

13. Roberto Luongo

Roberto Luongo’s illustrious 19-season NHL career places him among the elite goaltenders. He ranks fourth all-time in wins (489) and second in games played (1,044). Luongo backstopped Canada to two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. His butterfly style and consistency made him a formidable presence in net.

12. Grant Fuh

Grant Fuhr, a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers, revolutionized goaltending with his exceptional puck-handling skills. He holds the NHL record for most assists by a goaltender (61) and was the first black player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fuhr’s career spanned 19 seasons, with 403 wins and a .887 save percentage.

11. Ed Belfour

Ed Belfour, nicknamed “The Eagle,” was a dominant force in the NHL from 1988 to 2007. He amassed 484 wins, ranking fourth all-time, and secured 76 shutouts. Belfour’s accolades include two Vezina Trophies, a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999, and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.

10. Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist, the Swedish sensation, played 15 seasons for the New York Rangers. He ranks sixth in NHL all-time wins (459) and ninth in appearances (887). Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023. His nickname “King Henrik” reflects his dominant presence in goal.

9. Tony Esposito

Tony Esposito revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style. He played 15 seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the Vezina Trophy three times and setting a modern-era record with 15 shutouts in his rookie season. Esposito finished his career with 423 wins and 76 shutouts, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

8. Vladislav Tretiak

Vladislav Tretiak, despite never playing in the NHL, is considered one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders. He won two Olympic gold medals (1972, 1976) and 10 World Championships with the Soviet national team. Tretiak’s impact on goaltending technique and his performances in international competitions solidified his legendary status.

7. Ken Dryden

Ken Dryden’s brief but stellar NHL career spanned just eight seasons, during which he won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. He posted an impressive 258-57-74 record, a 2.24 goals-against average, and won five Vezina Trophies. Dryden’s unique combination of skill, intelligence, and composure revolutionized goaltending in the 1970s.

6. Glenn Hall

Glenn Hall, nicknamed ‘Mr. Goalie,’ revolutionized goaltending with his pioneering butterfly style. He played a record 502 consecutive regular-season games without a mask, an unmatched feat. Over his 18-year NHL career, he won three Vezina Trophies, a Calder Trophy, and a Stanley Cup, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

5. Terry Sawchuk

Terry Sawchuk dominated the NHL from 1950 to 1970, setting records that stood for decades. He won 447 games, recorded 103 shutouts, and captured four Stanley Cups. Sawchuk’s 2.50 career goals-against average was remarkable for his era. His toughness and skill earned him a place among hockey’s legends.

4. Jacques Plante

Jacques Plante revolutionized goaltending by popularizing the use of face masks. He won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and earned seven Vezina Trophies. Plante’s innovative puck-handling skills and 437 regular-season wins solidified his place among hockey’s elite. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978.

3. Dominik Hasek

Nicknamed “The Dominator,” Hasek revolutionized goaltending with his unorthodox style. He won six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Trophies, and two Stanley Cups. Hasek boasts the highest career save percentage (.922) among retired goalies and ranks sixth all-time in shutouts (81). His acrobatic saves and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite.

2. Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style and dominated the NHL for 19 seasons. He won four Stanley Cups, three Vezina Trophies, and remains the only player to win three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP. Roy holds records for most playoff wins (151) and games played (247) by a goaltender. His impact on modern goaltending is immeasurable.

1. Martin Brodeur

Martin Brodeur, the NHL’s all-time leader in wins (691), shutouts (125), and games played (1,266), revolutionized goaltending during his 22-season career. A three-time Stanley Cup champion with the New Jersey Devils, Brodeur won four Vezina Trophies and two Olympic gold medals. His puck-handling skills and durability set new standards for goaltenders.