MONTREAL, CANADA – NOVEMBER 05: A closeup view of the NHL crest is seen on a referee jersey during the second period between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
There is no sport where a player is faced with a barrage of shots from the opposing team as much as a goaltender is in hockey. When a goalie gets hot, he can lead a team to a Stanley Cup Championship; when a goalie is bad, the team is done for the night. Here is a list of the 10 greatest goalies in hockey. Do you agree? Leave your comments below.
10. Vladislav Tretiak (1967-1983)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – CIRCA 1980: Vladislav Tretiak #20 of Russia circa 1980 in New York, New York. (Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)
Although Tretiak never played in the NHL, he was widely considered the greatest goaltender in the world and won three Olympic Gold Medals.
9. Billy Smith (1971-1988)
Canadian professional ice hockey player Billy Smith #31 of the New York Islanders defends the goal during a home game, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, 1970s. Smith played for the Islanders from 1972 to 1989. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
“Battlin Billy” won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and is perhaps the toughest goalie to ever play.
8. Bernie Parent (1965-1978)
BLOOMINGTON, MN – NOVEMBER 18: Goaltender Bernie Parent of the Minnesota North Stars makes a save during the game against the Minnesota North Stars at the Metropolitan Sports Center on November 18, 1967 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
5x All-Star and winner of 2 Stanley Cups. Made the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984
7. Terry Sawchuk (1949-1969)
(Original Caption) New York: Madison Square Garden. Detroit goalie Terry Sawchuk #1 makes a save.
11x All-Star and winner of 4 Stanley Cups and 4 Vezina Trophies
6. Grant Fuhr (1981-1999)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1983: Grant Fuhr #1 of the Edmonton Oilers defends his goal against the Washington Capitals during an NHL Hockey game circa 1983 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Fuhr playing career went from 1981-2000. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
6x All-Star and 5x Stanley Cup Champion
5. Ken Dryden (1970-1978)
MONTREAL, QC – MAY, 1971: Goalie Ken Dryden #29 of the Montreal Canadiens defends the net as his teammate Jacques Laperriere #2 shoots the puck out of the zone as Stan Mikita #21 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows from behind duirng a 1971 Stanley Cup Finals game circa May, 1971 at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Played for a short time but left a huge impact with 6 Stanley Cups and 5 Vezina trophies
4. Dominik Hasek (1990-2007)
Dominik Hasek #39, Goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres looks on from in front of the goal post during the NHL Eastern Conference Northeast Division game against the St Louis Blues on 22nd October 1995 at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York, United States. The Sabres won the game 5 – 2. (Photo by Harry Scull Jr./Allsport/Getty Images)
Arguably the greatest European goalie to ever play in the NHL. Won 2 Stanley Cups and 6 Vezina Trophies
3. Martin Brodeur (1991-2014)
Martin Brodeur #30, Goalkeeper for the New Jersey Devils tending goal during the NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division game against the Minnesota Wild on 21st January 2001 at the Xcel Energy Center Arena in St Paul, Minnesota, United States. The Devils won the game 4 – 2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Redefined the position. 9x All-Star and winner of 3 Stanley Cups and 4 Vezina Trophies
2. Jacques Plante (1952-1972)
Goaltender Jacques Plante is celebrated by Montreal Canadiens team mates after beating the Boston Bruins 5-1 in the Stanley Cup Finals at the Montreal Forum, Quebec, April 16th 1957. Left to right: Phil Goyette, Dollard St Laurent (1929 – 2015), Plante, Guy Talbot, coach Toe Blake (1912 – 1995) and trainer Hector Dubois. (Photo by UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)
Generally considered the greatest goalie of his generation. Winner of 6 Stanley Cups and 7 Vezina Trophies
1. Patrick Roy (1984-2002)
Canadian professional hockey player Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens hoists the Stanley Cup over his head as he celebrates their championship victory over the Los Angeles Kings, Montreal, Canada, June 9, 1993. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
No one was better in pressure situations. Winner of 4 Stanley Cups and 3 Conn Smythe Trophies
