Being an NHL goalie means living under a microscope. One great playoff run and you’re a legend, but one decent season and suddenly you’re “elite”—even if the numbers don’t back it up.
Some goalies were propped up by strong teams, while others lived off a reputation that never quite matched the reality. Here’s a look at the netminders who got way more love than they truly deserved.
13. Jonathan Quick
Quick had some incredible playoff moments, but his regular season play was often average at best. He built a legacy on a few hot runs while skating behind a stacked Kings defense.
12. Rick DiPietro
The contract was legendary, but the talent? Not so much. Injuries derailed things, sure, but even when healthy, he rarely looked like a true franchise goalie.
11. Felix Potvin
Potvin had the nickname and the flair, but the consistency just wasn’t there. He rode a wave of hype in Toronto that never quite matched his on-ice impact.
10. Roman Cechmanek
He had a couple of strong seasons, but you never really trusted him in big moments. The hype fizzled out once people realized his game was more unpredictable than dominant.
9. Jose Theodore
That one MVP season really skewed perception for years. After that, he was mostly just okay and never came close to repeating that level.
8. Mike Vernon
Vernon benefited from being on loaded teams and seemed to get more credit than he earned. Solid? Sure. But people talk about him like he was a world-beater, and he just wasn’t.
7. Arturs Irbe
Irbe was likable and had the quirky gear, but his game was all over the place. He became a fan favorite more for his vibe than his actual stats.
6. Grant Fuhr
Fuhr won a lot, but look who he had in front of him—those Oilers teams were juggernauts. His save percentages never really screamed “all-time great.”
5. Jim Carey
No, not the actor. Carey won the Vezina out of nowhere and then completely fell off a cliff. The hype burned hot and fast—and disappeared just as quickly.
4. Tommy Salo
People kept expecting Salo to be great, but he never quite delivered. He had the tools but always found a way to come up short in key moments.
3. Chris Osgood
Osgood was the definition of a system goalie. He won Cups, yes, but it’s easier when you’re behind Hall of Famers at every position.
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2. Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury has the charisma and longevity, but his playoff inconsistency is hard to ignore. For every highlight reel save, there’s a head-scratching goal that shouldn’t have gone in.
Read More: 15 Legendary NHL Goalies Who Redefined the Game
1. Carey Price
This one might sting, but hear us out. Price was treated like a generational goalie for years, yet the hardware and postseason results just never lined up with the endless praise.
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