In the fast-paced world of hockey, the performance of a goalie can define the outcome of a game. In the NHL, a goalie (or goaltender) is the last line of defense, tasked with preventing the opposing team from scoring by stopping shots on goal. The Best Goalie of All-Time in the NHL have redefined goaltending with their consistency, innovation, and record-breaking achievements. In this article, we highlight legendary netminders whose careers have left an indelible mark on the league.

Let’s see the Top 10 Best Goalie of All-Time in NHL :

10. Tony Esposito

Tony Esposito’s career spanned from 1967 to 1984, during which he suited up for both the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks. Known as one of the Best Goalie of All-Time, Esposito was a three-time Vezina Trophy winner. In the 1970 season, he set a modern NHL record by recording 15 shutouts in a single season. His contributions helped Montreal win the Stanley Cup in 1969, and his excellence was later recognized with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Montreal Canadiens / Chicago Blackhawks	423	15 (season record)	Three-time Vezina Trophy winner; Stanley Cup champion (1969)

9. Jacques Plante

A transformative figure in goaltending, Jacques Plante played intermittently from 1947 to 1975 for several teams including the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers. Plante not only helped the Canadiens win six Stanley Cups—with five coming consecutively—but also earned a record seven Vezina Trophies. Additionally, he is credited with inventing and popularizing the goalie mask, forever changing the game for the Best Goalie of All-Time.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Multiple NHL Teams	437	Numerous (record-setting)	Invented the goalie mask; seven-time Vezina Trophy winner; six Stanley Cups

8. Terry Sawchuk

Terry Sawchuk, an 11-time All-Star, played from 1949 to 1970 and won four Stanley Cups. As one of the Best Goalie of All-Time, Sawchuk was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner and became the first netminder to notch 100 regular-season shutouts. He still ranks second in career shutouts with 103, trailing only Martin Brodeur. The Detroit Red Wings honored his legacy by retiring his No. 1 in 1994, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1971.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Detroit Red Wings	445	103 (career)	First goalie with 100 career shutouts; four-time Vezina Trophy winner

7. Curtis Joseph

Despite going undrafted, Curtis “Cujo” Joseph carved out a remarkable career with teams such as the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Calgary Flames. Joseph became the first goalie in NHL history to achieve a 30-win season with five different teams, earning him a reputation as one of the Best Goalie of All-Time. His consistency and adaptability were evident throughout his career, making him a perennial All-Star.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Multiple NHL Teams	454	Consistent performer	First goalie with 30-win seasons on five different teams

6. Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist spent his entire 20-year NHL career with the New York Rangers and became one of the most reliable goaltenders in recent memory. As one of the “Best Goalie of All-Time,” he was the only netminder to start his career with seven consecutive 30-win seasons. Lundqvist also won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and maintained impressive consistency, winning at least 20 games in each of his first 11 seasons.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
New York Rangers	459	Consistent performance	Seven straight 30-win seasons; 2012 Vezina Trophy winner

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5. Ed Belfour

Undrafted yet undeniably talented, Ed Belfour enjoyed a 19-season career with teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Belfour won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and was recognized with Vezina Trophies in 1991 and 1993. His accolades also include the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award, making him one of the Best Goalie of All-Time.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Multiple NHL Teams	484	Notable for playoff runs	Stanley Cup champion; multiple Vezina Trophy winner

4. Roberto Luongo

Roberto Luongo, whose 19-year NHL career saw him guard the nets for the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks, stands out as one of the Best Goalie of All-Time. Drafted fourth overall in 1997, Luongo became a six-time All-Star. He is second only to Martin Brodeur in both games played and saves, underlining his tremendous impact on the league.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
New York Islanders / Florida Panthers / Vancouver Canucks	489	Consistently high save totals	Second-most games played and saves in NHL history

3. Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy, selected 51st overall in the 1984 NHL draft, became a legendary figure with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche. When he retired in 2003, he was the winningest goalie in NHL history, and he remains the leader in playoff wins with 151. Roy’s four Stanley Cups, three Vezina Trophies, and three Conn Smythe Trophies firmly establish him as one of the Best Goalie of All-Time.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Montreal Canadiens / Colorado Avalanche	551	Record-setting in playoffs	Holds the record for playoff wins; multiple Stanley Cup champion

2. Marc-Andre Fleury

Unlike many on this list, Marc-Andre Fleury is still active, currently playing for the Minnesota Wild. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft, Fleury has lived up to expectations by earning five All-Star selections and winning three Stanley Cups, along with a Vezina Trophy in 2021. His continued excellence on the ice secures his place among the Best Goalie of All-Time.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
Pittsburgh Penguins / Vegas Golden Knights / Chicago Blackhawks / Minnesota Wild	572	Consistent game-changer	Only active goalie among top win leaders; three Stanley Cups

1. Martin Brodeur

At the pinnacle of goaltending excellence stands Martin Brodeur. With an astonishing 691 wins, Brodeur holds the record for the most wins, most shutouts (125), and most games played (1,266) in NHL history. His nine All-Star appearances and three Stanley Cup championships, along with four Vezina Trophies, define his storied career. Brodeur’s legacy as the Best Goalie of All-Time is cemented by his inclusion in the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list and his 2018 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Team	Matches Played (Wins)	Shutouts	Key Accomplishment
New Jersey Devils	691	125	Record-holder for wins and shutouts; NHL’s all-time best

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