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)
Focusing on clutch playoff performances, Stanley Cup success, ability to steal games under pressure, and overall legacy in high-stakes moments:
1. Patrick Roy
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)
Playoff GAA: 2.30 | 3x Conn Smythe Trophy
The only player to win three Conn Smythes, one for each of his Cups (with two teams). The undisputed king of clutch.
2. Martin Brodeur
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)
4x Stanley Cup Finalist, 3x Champion
Known for consistency and puck handling, a rock behind the Devils’ system, but also stood tall in big moments (esp. 2003 Cup run).
3. Ken Dryden
Feb 1973; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Canadiens goalie Ken Dryden in the net against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
6 Stanley Cups in 8 seasons
Calm, cerebral, and dominant under pressure. Retired young but shined in every playoff, especially in the 1971 and 1977 runs.
4. Dominik Hasek
Apr 26, 2007; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wing goaltender Dominik Hasek during the first period of game one of the 2007 NHL Western Conference semi-finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
2x Hart Trophy, 1x Cup
Known as the Dominator for a reason. His 2002 Olympic Gold and 2006 Cup with Detroit showed his big-game ability even late in his career.
5. Grant Fuhr
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)
5 Stanley Cups
His regular-season numbers were often middling, but Fuhr always showed up in the playoffs. Gretzky said he was the best money goalie.
6. Billy Smith
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)
4 Stanley Cups in a row (1980–1983)
Mean, intimidating, and supremely clutch. His playoff numbers far surpassed his regular-season ones.
7. Jonathan Quick
Jan 12, 2009; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightninig at the Staples Center. The Lightning defeated the Kings 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
2 Stanley Cups (2012, 2014) | 1 Conn Smythe
Unreal in 2012: .946 SV% in the playoffs. Quick could turn into a brick wall at will in high-stakes games.
8. Ed Belfour
Unknown Date, 2000; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Stars goalie Ed Belfour (20) and defenseman Darryl Sydor (5) on the ice against the New Jersey Devils during the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals at Reunion Arena. New Jersey defeated Dallas to win the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
1 Stanley Cup, 2 Finals
Fierce competitor who was lights out in the 1999 Cup run. Always dialed in when it mattered.
9. Bernie Parent
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)
2x Stanley Cup, 2x Conn Smythe
Back-to-back Cups with Philly in the '70s; one of the few goalies to truly carry his team to multiple titles.
10. Carey Price
Apr 29, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Florida Panthers center Noel Acciari (55) scores a goal against
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) as right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) and defenseman Joel Edmundson (44) defend during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
2021 run to the Final | Olympic Gold (2014)
While lacking a Cup, Price’s ability to elevate in 2014 (Olympics) and 2021 (Habs’ miracle run) was pure elite.
11. Mike Richter
Rangers goalie Mike Richter and defenders protect the goal against Vancouver during game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at Madison Square Garden June 14, 1994. The Rangers won the game 3-2 and the Stanley Cup.
Rangers Win Stanley Cup
1994 Stanley Cup, World Cup of Hockey (1996)
His Cup win with the Rangers broke a 54-year drought; followed by a phenomenal run in international play.
12. Corey Crawford
Aug 18, 2020; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford (50) makes a save against Vegas Golden Knights center Paul Stastny (26) during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
2x Stanley Cup Starter (2013, 2015)
Often underrated but consistently clutch during Chicago’s dynastic run. Came up huge in elimination games.
Legendary in 2003 with Anaheim, nearly single-handedly carried the team. Won a Cup later in 2007 as a starter.
15. Tim Thomas
Sep 23, 2005; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas (30) on the ice against the New York Islanders at TD Banknorth Garden. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
1 Stanley Cup, 1 Conn Smythe (2011)
Had one of the most dominant playoff performances ever in 2011 with Boston (.967 SV% in Final, 4 shutouts).
