The role of a goaltender is critical in shaping a team’s destiny on the ice. The NHL has witnessed numerous legendary netminders who elevated the sport with their talent, determination, and ability to defy the odds.
We rank the top 10 best NHL goaltenders of all time based on their statistics, impact on the game, and legacy within the hockey community.
10. Bernie Parent
Bernie Parent’s career stands as one of the most iconic in NHL history, particularly for his role in leading the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. His aggressive play and consistency made him particularly feared across the league.
A two-time Vezina Trophy winner (1974, 1975), Parent was known for his reflexes and ability to perform in clutch moments. Over his 13-year career, Parent posted a .915 save percentage and a 2.55 goals-against average. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ most valuable player during the Flyers’ championship runs.
9. Vladislav Tretiak
Vladislav Tretiak may not have played in the NHL, although Montreal did try but was stopped by the Soviet governments unwillingness to let him. His legacy remains as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time is undeniable.
As the backbone of the Soviet Union’s national team, Tretiak dominated the international stage, winning three Olympic gold medals (1972, 1976, 1984) and multiple World Championships. His incredible agility and sharp reflexes helped the Soviets maintain dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.
8. Ken Dryden
Ken Dryden’s remarkable career with the Montreal Canadiens saw him capture six Stanley Cups in just eight seasons. Dryden’s unique position in NHL history is defined by his ability to excel despite a relatively short playing career.
A six-time All-Star and a five-time Vezina Trophy winner, Dryden posted an incredible career save percentage of .922 and a 2.24 goals-against average. His calm demeanor and precise technique in goal set a high standard for future generations of goaltenders.
7. Bill Durnan
A legend of the 1940s, Bill Durnan’s impact on the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL cannot be overstated. Winning the Vezina Trophy six times in just eight full seasons, Durnan was known for his athleticism, positioning, and remarkable consistency.
He posted a career goals-against average of 2.36, which was a significant achievement during an era of high-scoring games. Durnan helped the Canadiens to two Stanley Cups in his career and remains one of the most revered goaltenders of his time.
6. Martin Brodeur
No discussion of the best NHL goaltenders in history would be complete without Martin Brodeur, the league’s all-time goaltender leader in wins with 691. Brodeur’s longevity, consistency, and ability to dominate in both the regular season and playoffs place him near the top of this list.
A four-time Vezina Trophy winner, Brodeur captured three Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils, solidifying his place as one of the best of all time. His legendary puck-handling abilities were a hallmark of his game, making him a pioneer of the modern goalie. Brodeur’s career save percentage of .912 and his 2.24 goals-against average are impressive accomplishments over his 22-season career, 21 of those with the Devils.
5. Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall’s career spanned an impressive 18 seasons, and he is known for his legendary “Iron Man” streak of 502 consecutive games played, a record for goaltenders that remains unbroken. A three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hall was a versatile and durable goaltender, playing for several teams throughout his career, including the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
Hall’s 2.50 career goals-against average and his .918 save percentage reflect his solid, consistent play as one of the best NHL goaltenders. His contributions to the game extended beyond his skill on the ice; he played a pivotal role in helping the Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup.
4. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk was the predecessor to Glenn Hall at the Red Winds and his impact on the game of hockey transcends his impressive statistics. A four-time Stanley Cup champion and a Vezina Trophy winner four times, Sawchuk played for several teams during his illustrious 21-year career, including the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
He amassed an astounding 103 shutouts over his career, still ranking among the all-time leaders. Sawchuk’s career save percentage was .907, and his 2.50 goals-against average is a testament to his consistency. He was known for his resilience, often playing through injuries that would sideline most players.
3. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is regarded as one of the best NHL goaltenders of the modern era. Roy’s clutch performances and playoff success are unparalleled. A four-time Stanley Cup champion, Roy was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner three times, an incredible feat for a goaltender.
Over his 22-year career with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche, Roy posted 551 career wins and a 2.54 goals-against average. He was known for his aggressive style of play, often coming out to challenge shooters, and his legendary “shut the door” mentality in big games. Roy revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style, influencing a generation of future netminders.
2. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek’s unorthodox style, characterized by his ability to make seemingly impossible saves, made him one of the most electrifying goaltenders in NHL history. Hasek was a two-time Hart Trophy winner (MVP of the league) and six-time Vezina Trophy winner. He led the Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999 and won two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.
His career save percentage of .922 and his 2.20 goals-against average reflect his exceptional performance. Hasek’s ability to stop pucks from all angles and in any situation was second to none, making him one of the most dynamic goaltenders to ever play the game.
1. Jacques Plante
At the top of our list is Jacques Plante, widely considered the best goaltender of all time. Plante’s revolutionary contribution to the game, most notably his introduction of the face mask, forever changed the role of the goalie. Over his remarkable 18-season career, Plante won seven Vezina Trophies and led the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cups.
His career save percentage of .920 is one of the best for a goalie from his era. Plante was known for his incredible positioning, calm demeanor, and ability to out think opponents, earning him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. His influence on the game remains profound, and his legacy as the top NHL goaltender endures.
Conclusion
These 10 goaltenders represent the pinnacle of hockey excellence. Each of them brought something unique to the position, from innovation to sheer dominance. Whether it was Jacques Plante’s mask or Dominik Hasek’s impossible saves, these legends shaped the game and left an indelible mark on the history of the NHL.
The best NHL goalies of all time not only dominated in their respective eras but also set the stage for the future of goaltending.
