November 13, 2006: Tonight in Toronto, legendary goaltender Patrick Roy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The three-time Vezina-winning, three-time Smythe-winning netminder racked up 551 regular season victories, 151 playoff victories and four Stanley Cups over his nineteen professional hockey seasons. Congratulations to Patrick!
September 26, 2006: During the team's morning practice session today, Philadephia Flyer netminder Antero Niittymaki suffered a torn labrum in his left hip. On Wednesday, it will be determined if the 26-year-old requires surgery; if that is the case, he will be out of action for six to eight weeks. To replace Niittymaki on the roster, the club recalled Martin Houle from the American Hockey League.
September 25, 2006: 39-year-old goaltender Sean Burke, a sixteen season veteran of the National Hockey League, was today waived by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Burke appeared in thirty five games for Tampa Bay last season, but was edged out this fall by Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist.
September 24, 2006: Brian Boucher, the 29-year-old goaltender last with Calgary, signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks today. Boucher will fill in as Chicago's number two goaltender while Patrick Lalime recovers from a herniated disk in his back.
September 12, 2006: The New York Islanders will announce today the signing of goaltender Rick DiPietro to the longest contract in the history of the National Hockey League. The 15-year deal totals $67.5 million for the first overall selection in the 2000 entry draft.
September 11, 2006: Tomas Vokoun, the 30-year-old star netminder of the Nashville Predators, inked a four-year contract extension with the club today. At $22.8 million, the deal is the richest contract in the history of the club.
September 8, 2006: Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller will not miss training camp this fall. The 26-year-old agreed to a three-year, $8 million deal today. Miller's thirty victories last season tied him with Henrik Lundqvist for the rookie lead.
September 7, 2006: The Atlanta Thrashers, whose playoff chances were decimated by goaltender woes last season, have re-inked phenom Kari Lehtonen to a two-year, $3.7 million contract. Atlanta general manager Don Waddell noted the critical nature of the signing, as Lehtonen missing any of training camp would be "disastrous on both ends".
September 6, 2006: Ilya Bryzgalov, who led the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs this past spring, has resigned with the club for two years and $2.36 million. Bryzgalov's 2006 shutout streak of 249 minutes, 15 seconds, was second-longest in postseason history.
July 1, 2006: Looking for a goaltender who can lead them to the Cup, the Ottawa Senators today inked Martin Gerber to a three-year contract. Gerber, 31, was a member of the Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes last month, although he relinquished the starting job to rookie Cam Ward during the playoffs.
July 1, 2006: Goaltender John Grahame, a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the past two-plus seasons, signed within the Southeast Division today, agreeing to a two-year, $2.8 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Grahame is expected to back up sophomore Cam Ward in Raleigh.
July 1, 2006: The Detroit Red Wings today resigned goaltender Chris Osgood to a two-year contract. Osgood, a two-time Cup champion with the Wings, will compete for the starting job in Detroit.
July 1, 2006: Patrick Lalime, who struggled in St. Louis last season, today signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 31-year-old Lalime, who holds the National Hockey League record for longest unbeaten streak from the start of a career, could back up Nikolai Khabibulin in the Windy City.
July 1, 2006: Goaltender Brent Johnson, who performed admirably in a backup role with the 2005-06 Washington Capitals, was resigned by the club today. Terms were not released.
July 1, 2006: Chris Mason, the Nashville netminder who has performed admirably as Tomas Vokoun's backup the past two seasons, was resigned by the Predators today to a two-year contract.
July 1, 2006: Dwayne Roloson, who led the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals this past spring, was resigned by the club to a three-year, $11 million contract. The 36-year-old posted a 12-5 record with a 2.32 GAA and 92.7% save percentage in the 2006 playoffs.
June 30, 2006: The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired their number one goaltender, picking up Marc Denis from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for wing Fredrik Modin and netminder Fredrik Norrena. The 28-year-old Denis has been with the Blue Jackets since their inception in 2000.
June 29, 2006: All-star goaltender Roberto Luongo, acquired by the Vancouver Canucks six days ago, today signed a four-year, $27 million contract with the club. Radio station CKNW in Vancouver reports that the deal will pay $6 million in 2006-07, increasing by $500,000 in each following season, and contains a no-trade clause for the final three years of the contract.
June 24, 2006: In a foreseeable move, the Boston Bruins tonight moved former Calder Trophy winner Andrew Raycroft to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for prospect Tuukka Rask. Toronto is expected to buy out the contract of veteran Ed Belfour, paving the way for Raycroft's arrival.
June 23, 2006: The Vancouver Canucks helped to shake up NHL Draft Day weekend tonight, acquiring all-star netminder Roberto Luongo from the Florida Panthers. Vancouver sent goaltender Alexander Auld, forward Todd Bertuzzi and defenseman Bryan Allen to the Panthers for Luongo, blueliner Lukas Krajicek and a sixth-round selection in this year's draft.
June 22, 2006: In award news tonight, Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff captured the 2006 Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender, as well as the Jennings Trophy, for fewest goals allowed in the 2005-06 season. Washington goaltender Olaf Kolzig took home the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (for leadership and humanitarian contribution to his community).
June 19, 2006: Special congratulations to 22-year-old Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward, who tonight captured both the 2006 Stanley Cup as well as the 2006 Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason most valuable player.
June 6, 2006: Edmonton goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who left last night's Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals, had an MRI today which confirmed a third-degree sprain of his right medial collateral ligament. Roloson will be out for the remainder of the series, leaving the Oilers' netminding duties in the hands of Ty Conklin and Jussi Markkanen.
March 9, 2006: The Buffalo Sabres, with three quality goaltenders on the roster for the entire season, helped the Vancouver Canucks solve their netminding quandry today. Mika Noronen, the 26-year-old Finn, will be headed west to British Columbia, where he will share the Canuck net with Alexander Auld. In return, Vancouver sent Buffalo a second-round selection in this summer's entry draft.
March 8, 2006: In a surprise move (at least a surprise to me), the Colorado Avalanche today traded netminder David Aebischer to the Montreal Canadiens. In exchange, the Avalanche receive embattled goaltender Jose Theodore. Theodore, who will not return from a broken heel until early April, has struggled this season in Montreal. Aebischer is expected to tandem with Cristobal Huet.
March 8, 2006: The Edmonton Oilers now have their number-one goaltender, today acquiring veteran netminder Dwayne Roloson from the Minnesota Wild. In return, the Wild will receive Edmonton's first-round selection in the 2006 entry draft as well as a conditional third-round selection. The thirty-six year-old has split time with Manny Fernandez in Minnesota since 2001, but will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
February 22, 2006: I'm back from Hawai'i, and am now catching up on game logs from the Winter Olympics (now updated) and American Hockey League (not yet updated). Enjoy!
February 1, 2006: Goaltending trade! Tonight, after their loss to Columbus, the Calgary Flames traded Philippe Sauve and centre Steve Reinprecht to the Phoenix Coyotes. In exchange, the Flames receive Brian Boucher and left wing Mike LeClerc.
January 19, 2006: The Boston Bruins, struggling with injuries to their top two goaltenders, have today claimed Craig Anderson off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. The 24-year-old will join the Bruins for practice tomorrow.
December 29, 2005: Well, I'm finally back from my holiday trip to the Seattle area. I've got about a week's worth of NHL and AHL games to catch up on, and I'll try to have everything done by the end of tomorrow (Friday). Have a happy New Year, everyone!
December 19, 2005: Congratulations are in order for Toronto's Ed Belfour, who tonight moved into sole possession of second place on the National Hockey League's career wins list with a 9-6 victory over the New York Islanders. "It seemed like it took forever," said Belfour. "It took nine goals, but I'm real thankful and honored." Despite allowing four goals in the first period, and six goals on 33 shots, Belfour won his 448th game. Asked about the man he passed, Belfour was respectful: "I just have a lot of respect for Terry. He played without a mask. It just means a lot to me to be up there with him and the other greats that have played that long. It's a tribute to all the guys I've played with, all the great teams I've played on."
December 13, 2005: More bad news for the Vancouver Canucks' Dan Cloutier. Cloutier, who has been out since November 22 with a partially-torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered in a collision with Anaheim's Rob Niedermayer, will have surgery on the knee on Thursday and be sidelined for at least four months. Maxime Ouellet was recalled from AHL Manitoba to serve as the backup to Alex Auld.
November 28, 2005: Congratulations to Toronto's Ed Belfour, who tonight was in net when his Leafs defeated the Florida Panthers, 2-1. In the process, Ed tied Terry Sawchuk with his 447th career National Hockey League victory, good for second overall in league history. Ed needs 104 more wins to reach the top spot, held by Patrick Roy. Congratulations to the Eagle!
November 3, 2005: It's a good thing that the Buffalo Sabres hesitated in trading one of their goaltender trio. New starter Ryan Miller, who broke his right thumb in practice yesterday morning, was today placed on injured reserve by the club. Miller will have screws placed into his thumb tomorrow, and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. Martin Biron, who will start tomorrow evening, and Mika Noronen will share goaltending duties in Miller's absence.
October 27, 2005: Tonight, Phoenix Coyotes netminder Curtis Joseph won his 400th regular-season National Hockey League game in a 3-2 victory over the defending conference champion Calgary Flames. Joseph made thirteen saves in the win, and was helped by Mike Comrie, who scored two goals including the game-winner with 88 seconds left. Congratulations to Cujo!
October 15, 2005: Congratulations to Ottawa's Dominik Hasek, who tonight became the twenty-second goaltender in National Hockey League history to to earn 300 regular season victories. In a 5-1 home victory for the Ottawa Senators over the Boston Bruins, Hasek stopped 34 of 35 Boston shots, and nearly registered his second shutout of the young season until Patrick Leahy jammed a loose puck under him three minutes into the third period.
October 12, 2005: Yann Danis made his National Hockey League debut, earned his first league victory, and earned his first league shutout all on the same night, October 12, 2005, at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The 24-year-old stopped thirty-two shots in Montreal's 2-0 victory over the Thrashers. "I imagined it," said Danis. "It was a good start for me. Our team scored the first goal, so my confidence was there...But it's only one game." Danis' work was made more difficult when it was announced that Ilya Kovalchuk would make his season debut against him, but he became just the third Montreal goaltender ( Bob Perreault, Wayne Thomas) to register a shutout in his NHL debut. "He made saves when he needed to, said team captain Saku Koivu. "It was not an easy spot for him".
October 12, 2005: Atlanta's Mike Dunham left with an apparent groin injury in the first period of Atlanta's 2-0 loss to Montreal tonight. Already missing Kari Lehtonen, the Thrashers will go with Michael Garnett and Adam Berkhoel until one of their top netminders returns.
October 6, 2005: Phenom Kari Lehtonen was placed on injured reserve today by the Atlanta Thrashers. Lehtonen suffered a groin injury in the first period of Atlanta's game in Florida yesterday, and was replaced by Mike Dunham to start the second period. No word yet on who will be called up to the big club in Atlanta.
October 4, 2005: Brian Boucher was placed on injured reserve by the Phoenix Coyotes this evening. Boucher has been sidelined since pulling a groin in the post-game shootout of Phoenix's pre-season opener on Sept. 16.
October 4, 2005: The Washington Capitals claimed goaltender Brent Johnson off waivers from Vancouver today. Johnson is expected to back up Olaf Kolzig in Washington.
October 4, 2005: The Chicago Blackhawks today traded netminder Michael Leighton to the Buffalo Sabres, in exchange for winger Milan Bartovic. Why would the Sabres, who already have three goaltenders on their NHL roster, trade for another young netminder? Waiver insurance is my guess.
October 4, 2005: We're back! Goaltender Trivia will probably start in November; I have a hernia operation scheduled so the "season" is delayed a bit. Let me know if anything on the pages look funky. Thanks!
July 6, 2004: The Ottawa Senators have called a 10 a.m. (EDT) news conference today, reportedly to announce the signing of goaltender Dominik Hasek. The thirty-nine year-old netminder played in just fourteen games last season before a chronic groin injury derailed his comeback attempt.
June 27, 2004: In expectation of their signing of Dominik Hasek on July 1, the Ottawa Senators today traded starter Patrick Lalime to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional 2005 fourth-round draft selection. Lalime's departure was virtually assured after a poor Game Seven showing against provincial rival Toronto.
June 26, 2004: With the sixth overall selection in today's National Hockey League entry draft, the New York Rangers selected University of Michigan goaltender Alvaro Montoya. Montoya, the first netminder picked in this year's draft, is also the first Cuban-American player to be selected in the league's history.
June 25, 2004: Dallas prospect Jason Bacashihua was dealt to the St. Louis Blues today, in exchange for quick defenseman Shawn Belle. Bacashihua became the odd man out in the Stars' trio of goaltending youngsters, as the Dallas organization opted to go with Mike Smith and Dan Ellis.
June 20, 2004: Seventy-eight year-old goaltender Gerry McNeil passed away on Thursday. The Quebec City native won two Stanley Cups with his province's Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s.
June 20, 2004: On Friday, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim swapped backup goaltender Martin Gerber to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Tomas Malec and a third-round draft choice in next weekend's entry draft. The Hurricanes, who dealt Arturs Irbe and are not expected to resign Jamie Storr, had been searching for a reliable backup to incumbent Kevin Weekes. On the other hand, the Ducks now appear ready for prospect Ilya Bryzgalov to battle Jean-Sebastien Giguere for their #1 role.
June 20, 2004: I'm finally and completed moved back to Colorado! That's right - my ten months in Utah are just a memory (albeit a good one).
March 23, 2004: Congratulations to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, who tonight became just the eighth goaltender in National Hockey League to win four hundred regular season games. The Devils beat the Florida Panthers, 4-3 in overtime, at the Office Depot Cepter in Miami. It took overtime, although the Devils did their best with fifty shots on the Panthers' Roberto Luongo. Marty stopped twenty-one shots.
March 6, 2004: Jamie McLennan is headed back to the Big Apple! The 32-year-old netminder, who started his big league career with the cross-town Islanders, is joining Blair Betts and Greg Moore with the New York Rangers. In return, the Calgary Flames receive pugilist forward Chris Simon as well as a conditional draft selection.
March 4, 2004: Brent Johnson's ordeal may finally be over. The St. Louis Blues, who had lost faith in the netminder's abilities earlier this season and sent him to AHL Worcester, dealt Johnson to the Phoenix Coyotes for C Mike Sillinger. With Phoenix, Johnson is expected to share time with Brian Boucher, who has struggled after setting the NHL's record shutout streak.
March 3, 2004: The New York Rangers, slowly fading from playoff contention for another season, today dealt away Jussi Markkanen and C Petr Nedved to the Edmonton Oilers. It's the second tour of duty in Edmonton for Markkanen. In return, the Rangers receive Stephen Valiquette, C Dwight Helminen and a second-round selection in this year's draft. At six-foot-five, Valiquette is the tallest goaltender to appear in NHL action.
February 18, 2004: The Chicago Blackhawks today signed 2001 first-round draft choice Adam Munro to a contract. Munro, the fifth goaltender to suit up for Chicago this season, will join the club on Thursday.
December 7, 2003: Excellent news for Team Canada! Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Craig Patrick announced this evening that eighteen-year-old star goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will be allowed to play for his country at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Finland. Fleury will be making his second appearance for the team, taking home a silver medal in last year's competition. "He's expected to be the man," Patrick said. "He's going to benefit an awful lot from the pressure."
November 16, 2003: The San Jose Sharks dealt third-string netminder Miikka Kiprusoff to the Calgary Flames today, in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2005 entry draft. Kiprusoff, who had gradually fallen out of favour with Sharks management, lost the backup role to fellow Finn Vesa Toskala, but will be welcomed by Calgary, who have been without starter Roman Turek for some time now.
November 15, 2003: Chicago netminder Jocelyn Thibault today underwent hip surgery in Pittsburgh. He is expected to miss ten to twelve weeks of action, resuming play after the all-star break.
October 21, 2003: Calgary goaltender Roman Turek is expected to miss about one month with a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, team sources said today. Turek injured the knee while making a save on Buffalo's Ales Kotalik early in the first period, and played the rest of the game with stiffness in the knee. Jamie McLennan will start in Turek's stead, while Dany Sabourin was recalled from AHL Lowell.
October 20, 2003: New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro today was named co-National Hockey League Player of the Week, sharing the honour with Ilya Kovalchuk. DiPietro was 2-0-1 over the past week, with a 0.83 goals-against average and a 115 minute, 59 second shutout streak.
October 20, 2003: The Detroit Red Wings took the first step in resolving their three-heading goaltending monster today, sending Curtis Joseph to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. Red Wings spokesman John Hahn said that Joseph needs conditioning as he recovers from an August operation to remove bone chips from his right ankle. The plan is for Joseph to stay with the Griffins through Friday night, at which point his situation will be reevaluated.
October 5, 2003: The Florida Panthers, somewhat desperate for a netminder after two were taken in Friday's waiver draft, acquired goaltender Steve Shields from the Boston Bruins today. In return, the Bruins will receive the ever-ubiquitous "future considerations". Shields, who broke into the NHL in late 1995, will join his fourth team since 2001, and will more than likely back up incumbent Roberto Luongo in Florida.
October 3, 2003: Three goaltenders changed hands during today's National Hockey League waiver draft: Stephen Valiquette went from Edmonton to Florida, Chris Mason went from Florida to Nashville, and Jani Hurme went from Florida to Carolina. Hurme was then traded to Atlanta for a fourth-round draft choice.
October 3, 2003: Hoping to improve their goaltending situation, the Carolina Hurricanes today signed free agent goaltender Jamie Storr to a one-year contract. The 27-year-old Storr, who had already signed a contract to play in Russia this year, will most likely back up incumbent starter Kevin Weekes in Carolina.
September 30, 2003: Marc-Andre Fleury, the first-overall selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins this past summer, has made it through the next-to-last roster cuts for the Pens, and could be on the opening night roster. All accounts agree that Fleury has played well enough for a spot; unfortunately, the Penguins could be averse to signing him to a large contract in a rebuilding year for the club.
September 18, 2003: The Dallas Stars today came to terms with their restricted free agent netminder, Marty Turco, today. The 28-year-old inked a contract through the 2005-06 National Hockey League season (financial terms were not disclosed). Last season, Turco posted the NHL's lowest goals-against average since World War II (1.72), set a franchise record with a sixteen game unbeaten streak (December 29 through March 25) and was named Player of the Month in January.
September 15, 2003: The Los Angeles Kings today acquired netminder Milan Hnilicka from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for future considerations. The thirty-year-old, who struggled last season in Atlanta, will most likely back up fellow Czech goaltender Roman Cechmanek this year.
September 10, 2003: Reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jean-Sebastien Giguere, a restricted free agent, has come to terms with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on a four-year contract which will reportedly pay him $19.5 million. The parties did not disclose financial terms, but The Sports Network of Canada is reporting that Giguere will be paid $4.5 million each of the next two seasons and $5.25 million over the final two years of the pact. This past June, Giguere became just the fifth member of a non-winning Stanley Cup team to win the Conn Smythe, awarded to the most valuable player of the postseason.
September 3, 2003: The Boston Bruins today announced the signing of unrestricted free agent Felix Potvin; terms were not disclosed. The thirty-two year old netminder enters his thirteenth professional season with 254 regular-season wins, a 2.78 goals-against average and twenty-eight shutouts. "Felix has been a solid NHL goaltneder for a number of years," Boston General Manager Mike O'Connell said today. "He's won playoff rounds and he gives us another veteran with experience." Potvin will compete with Steve Shields for the starter's role in Beantown.
September 2, 2003: Goaltender Mike Richter, who in his fourteen seasons (all with the New York Rangers) amassed 301 regular-season victories, will announce his retirement from professional hockey Thursday. Richter, who backstopped the Rangers to a Stanley Cup victory in 1994 and the United States to a World Cup gold medal two years later, still suffers from the post-concussion problems he acquired when he fractured his skull more than one year ago. Richter leaves the game as the Rangers' all-time leader in victories. Mike, you will be missed!
August 25, 2003: Recently, the Vancouver Canucks have found themselves with a dearth of goaltenders, while the Pittsburgh Penguins have them in abundance. Today, however, both clubs did something to alleviate their problems, as the Penguins have dealt incumbent starter Johan Hedberg to Vancouver in exchange for a second-round selecton in next summer's entry draft. The thirty-year-old, who became expendable in part when the Penguins selected Marc-Andre Fleury first overall in this year's draft, is expected to compete with Dan Cloutier for the Vancouver starting role.
August 20, 2003: Well, of course the Toronto Sun was dead wrong - updated reports from the Associated Press state that, although Curtis Joseph underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday, it was not broken and he will be able to return to skating in approximately six weeks.
August 20, 2003: According to a report in today's Toronto Sun, Detroit goaltender Curtis Joseph underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a broken ankle, and is expected to be out of action until January. An MRI exam at a Cleveland hospital, which was possibly ordered by the Boston Bruins (who were reportedly trying to work out a trade for Joseph) revealed that he required surgery. This puts to an end the Red Wings' immediate possibilities of trading Joseph.
August 11, 2003: Digressing from goaltending for just a moment, I wanted to publicly mourn the passing of Herb Brooks, who died in a one-car auto accident earlier today. I was six years old when the Miracle on Ice occurred, and I confidently state that, if there were no Herb Brooks, you wouldn't be seeing this site today. If you have yet to see the 2001 HBO documentary Do You Believe in Miracles?, I couldn't recommend a movie any more strongly - I cry like a baby throughout the entire piece. Thanks for all of the memories, Herb.
July 8, 2003: It's official: Superstar goaltender Dominik Hasek has confirmed that he plans to return to the National Hockey League, and the Detroit Red Wings, for the 2003-04 season. Hasek's return creates somewhat of a problem for the Wings, however, as they now have two netminders (Curtis Joseph being the other) making eight million dollars per season. General manager Ken Kolland is expected to deal one before long.
July 4, 2003: The Montreal Canadiens today signed free agent goaltender Jean-Francois Damphousse to a one-year contract, with a team option for a second year. The 23-year-old played forty-one American Hockey League games last season, posting a 17-19-4 record with a 2.92 goals-against average and 90.4% save percentage.
June 22, 2003: A complete list of goaltenders selected in this weekend's 2003 National Hockey League entry draft is available here.
June 21, 2003: This isn't a goaltender-related topic, but Roger Neilson, who - as good as he was as a coach - will be remembered by me most for being a good person, passed away today at the age of 69. An excellent retrospective on Roger's career can be found at TSN.ca's website. Let all of our hearts and thoughts be with Roger and his family on this day.
June 21, 2003: The Pittsburgh Penguins today made Sorel, Quebec native Marc-Andre Fleury the number-one selection in the 2003 National Hockey League entry draft. Fleury becomes just the second netminder taken with the top pick in modern draft history.
June 12, 2003: Congratulations to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, who was tonight named the winner of the Vezina Trophy, given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position as voted on by the NHL's general manager. Brodeur, who had somehow never won the award, led all goaltenders in wins (41) and shutouts (nine) while posting a 2.02 goals-against average and 91.4% save percentage.
June 11, 2003: Nineteen-year veteran Grant Fuhr, who recorded 403 victories over the course of his National Hockey League career, was today elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fuhr was the starter on four Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup-winning teams, serving as a backup in a fifth. He also played with five other NHL teams. Congratulations to Grant!
June 11, 2003: The St. Louis Blues today resigned ten-year veteran netminder Chris Osgood to a one-year contract. Blues general manager Larry Pleau said that Osgood agreed to a salary "well below the market rate for a goaltender with his record and experience." The 30-year-old has 274 wins in his NHL career, manning the pipes when the Detroit Red Wings captured the Stanley Cup in 1998.
June 9, 2003: Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils, as well as to the Devils' Martin Brodeur and Anaheim's Jean-Sebastien Giguere. In capturing the Stanley Cup, Brodeur became the first goaltender in National Hockey League history to record seven shutouts in one postseason, while Giguere captured the Conn Smythe Trophy in a valiant postseason run.
June 6, 2003: Kevin Weekes, who has now established himself as the Carolina Hurricanes' number one goaltender, agreed on a one-year contract with the club today. Financial terms were not released. The 28-year-old Weekes, who went 14-24-9 with a 2.55 goals-against average and five shutouts last season, was a restricted free agent.
June 4, 2003: The Atlanta Thrashers today announced that they have come to terms with goaltender Kari Lehtonen . The second-overall selection in last June's draft, Lehtonen spent the past season with Jokerit Helsinki, going 39-19-9 with nine shutouts and a 1.91 goals-against average. He will report to the Thrashers' prospect evaluation camp in July, and training camp in September.
June 2, 2003: The Columbus Blue Jackets, seeking a veteran backup for incumbent Marc Denis, came to terms with Fred Brathwaite on a one-year contract today. Brathwaite, who has won 77 games in the National Hockey League, was released by St. Louis last March when the club acquired Chris Osgood.
a good time. I've put up an article, reprinted from the Washington Post back in 1986, on Patrick Roy's rookie season and run to the Stanley Cup Final. I think it's an excellent look back at the beginning, and hope that you will, too.
May 29, 2003: Congratulations to the Devils' Martin Brodeur, who - with his sixteen-save effort tonight against Anaheim - recorded his sixth shutout of the 2003 postseason. Marty's total equals the National Hockey League record set, just last year, by Dominik Hasek.
May 28, 2003: In other netminding news, Roman Cechmanek - whom Philadelphia GM Bob Clarke declared was done with the Flyers one month ago - was finally dealt today, to the Los Angeles Kings for a second-round selection in the 2004 entry draft. The Kings' current incumbent, Felix Potvin, is set for unrestricted free agency July 1.
May 28, 2003: It's official - in a press conference just held at the Pepsi Center, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy has called it a career. In just over eighteen seasons in the National Hockey League, Roy will retire with 551 regular-season victories, sixty-six shutouts, a 2.54 goals-against average and 91.0% save percentage. His hardware collection includes three Vezina Trophies, four Jennings Trophies, the Calder Trophy, three Conn Smythe Trophies, and - most importantly - four Stanley Cup titles. Patrick, best of luck in your future endeavours - you will be missed.
May 27, 2003: According to a report in the Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado Avalanche netminder Patrick Roy has decided to retire, and could make an announcement as early as today. The league's recordholder in nearly every goaltending category, Roy has played eighteen years in the NHL, earning 699 regular-season and playoff wins, including four Stanley Cups. The Avalanche organization has denied the report.
May 14, 2003: Giguere's incredible run continues - tonight, the Anaheim goaltender had thirty-five saves, shutting out the visiting Minnesota Wild for the third consecutive game. In doing so, Giguere extended his shutout streak to 213 minutes, 17 seconds.
May 12, 2003: Congratulations to Anaheim's Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who tonight became the first National Hockey League netminder since Hall-of-Famer Terry Sawchuk to open a playoff series with consecutive shutouts. Tonight, Giguere stopped twenty-four Minnesota shots for his third blanking of the 2003 postseason.
April 29, 2003: According to his former coach, Jacques Demers, the National Hockey League's all-time win leader, Colorado Avalanche netminder Patrick Roy, has played his final National Hockey League game. Demers, citing a source close to Roy, said he believes Roy wants to go out while his skills are reasonably sharp, and also while his health is good. More on this as details become available.
April 24, 2003: Congratulations to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, who - with his second consecutive postseason shutout tonight (and third of 2003) - moved into second place on the all-time National Hockey League leader board for playoff blankings, with sixteen. Brodeur now stands just seven behind leader Patrick Roy.
April 1, 2003: With a 3-2 overtime victory over New Jersey tonight, Toronto's Ed Belfour became just the seventh goaltender in National Hockey League history to register 400 regular-season victories. Belfour, who made thirty-seven saves in the victory, pushed his career mark to 400-262-105 in fifteen seasons.
April 1, 2003: Tampa's Nikolai Khabibulin, who posted a 7-0-3 record, 1.27 goals-against average and 95.3% save percentage en route to leading the Lightning to their first playoff berth in seven years, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month.
March 30, 2003: New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur today became the first National Hockey League goaltender to record four seasons with forty (or more) victories, as he and his Devils blanked the New York Islanders by a 6-0 count. It was the ninth shutout of the season for the Vezina Trophy favourite.
March 26, 2003: I've added Ron Mays' book, Goaltending in the New Millennium, to the bookshop. Check it out!
March 23, 2003: The Hockey News' rankings of each National Hockey League organization's top goaltending prospects, Future Watch 2003, is now available.
March 11, 2003: On deadline day, even the goaltenders changed hands. Most prominently, the St. Louis Blues hope that their netminding woes are a thing of the past after acquiring Chris Osgood from the Isles. The teams swapped 2003 picks, with C Justin Papineau also going to New York. In other news, Jean-Francois Damphousse is now a Flame, Johan Holmqvist is now a Wild, and Dwayne Roloson is still a Wild after signing a multi-year contract extension with the club.
March 10, 2003: Edmonton Oilers' netminder Tommy Salo was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Salo led the Oilers to three consecutive victories while posting a 1.01 goals-against average and 96.1% save percentage.
March 9, 2003: Seeking protection for workhorse starter Tomas Vokoun, the Nashville Predators today acquired goaltender Wade Flaherty from the Florida Panthers. The Predators, who sent D Pascal Trepanier to Florida in return, expect Flaherty to join the club on Monday. Since the December trade that sent Mike Dunham to Broadway, Vokoun has started all but one of Nashville's games.
March 4, 2003: The Florida Panthers, who acquired Jani Hurme from the Ottawa Senators last October, again turned to the Sens for goaltending depth, acquiring Simon Lajeunesse today in exchange for right wing Joey Tetarenko.
March 3, 2003: Tampa Bay's Nikolai Khabibulin was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. The Lightning netminder posted three consecutive victories, a 0.67 goals-against average, a 97.8% save percentage and one shutout.
March 3, 2003: Game-by-game goaltender statistics for the 1989-90 National Hockey League season are now available on each individual goaltender's biography page. 1988-99 will follow shortly, once I've captured the few elusive games still to be found, and I'm in the middle of hand-compiling the 1987-88 data. Enjoy!
February 8, 2003: Thirty-five year old netminder Arturs Irbe, who helped the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Final just last season, was placed on waivers by the club today. Irbe is under contract for $5.2 million over the next two seasons, a large amount for a club which is seeking to cut payroll after virtually falling out of the playoff race.
January 27, 2003: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, who allowed one goal in three starts last week, was today named the National Hockey League Player of the Week. In a 1-1 tie against Dallas, he became the first goaltender to appear in 1000 regular season league games, then posted shutouts against Columbus and Toronto.
January 23, 2003: Veteran netminder Jeff Hackett was traded twice today, starting when the Montreal Canadiens sent him to the San Jose Sharks for right-winger Niklas Sundstrom and a third-round pick in the 2004 draft. The Sharks then flipped Hackett and young defenseman Jeff Jillson to Boston for the rights to restricted free agent defenceman Kyle McLaren and a fourth round pick in 2004. The 34-year-old Hackett, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at season's end, is likely to take over the reins as Boston's No. 1 goaltender.
January 20, 2003: Congratulations are in order for Colorado's Patrick Roy, who appeared in his 1000th regular-season National Hockey League contest tonight. Roy made twenty-nine saves in a 1-1 tie with the visiting Dallas Stars.
January 20, 2003: New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Brodeur posted four consecutive victories, a 1.25 goals-against average and 94.7% save percentage this past week, and leads all NHL goaltenders with 25 wins. On Thursday, he was named to the Eastern Conference roster for next month's NHL All-Star Game.
January 13, 2003: The Boston Bruins today traded goaltender John Grahame to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2004 entry draft. Mired in a fifteen-game slump, the Bruins also recalled prospect Andrew Raycroft from AHL Providence. "We felt that it was time to make a change for the team,'' Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell said. "We gave John an opportunity but we thought that we needed to try to get better at that position.'' In 23 games this season, Grahame has a 11-9-2 record and 2.71 goals-against average.
December 16, 2002: After extending his franchise-record shutout streak to an impressive 200:15, Anaheim goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Giguere, who now has shutouts in three consecutive games after blanking Washington and Pittsburgh, has not allowed a goal since Alexei Zhamnov's marker on December 6.
December 12, 2002: On the day that they announced veteran goaltender Mike Richter would be sidelined for the remainder of the season with concussion problems, the New York Rangers acquired fellow U.S. Olympian Mike Dunham from Nashville. The 30-year-old Dunham is a native of upstate New York, who has spent the majority of his NHL career with the Predators. In return, Nashville receives forward Rem Murray, as well as defensemen Tomas Kloucek and Marek Zidlicky.
November 11, 2002: Chicago's Jocelyn Thibault, who had a pair of shutouts and won all three of his starts, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. In earning his third career PotW award, Thibault blanked Detroit and Atlanta before making thirty-seven saves in an overtime win over Tampa Bay.
October 28, 2002: Congratulations are in order for the New York Rangers' Mike Richter, who tonight earned his 300th National Hockey League victory. Richter stopped twenty-nine Phoenix shots, enabling his Rangers to defeat the Coyotes in comeback fashion, 3-2 in overtime.
October 22, 2002: The San Jose Sharks, who have struggled to start the 2002-03 National Hockey League regular season, today resigned Group II restricted free agent Evgeni Nabokov. Last year, the 27-year-old set franchise records in wins (37) and shutouts (7) while leading the Sharks to their first Pacific Division championship. Terms were not disclosed; however, indepedent sources say that the deal is for two years and $7.15 million.
October 22, 2002: Colorado goaltender Patrick Roy will tie yet another National Hockey League record tonight when he appears in tonight's game against Edmonton. Roy will tie Hall-of-Famer Terry Sawchuk as the league's leader in goaltender games played, with 971 regular-season appearances.
October 1, 2002: Jani Hurme, the 27-year-old Finnish goaltender who was stuck behind Ottawa incumbent Patrick Lalime, was today traded by the Senators to the Florida Panthers. In return, Ottawa receives prospect goaltender Billy Thompson and center Greg Watson.
September 15, 2002: Carolina goaltender Kevin Weekes was taken to the emergency room today after having a seizure and collapsing on the ice during the first day of the team's training camp. Weekes was evaluated by team doctor Jay Stevens and team neurologist Ken Carnes before being released later in the day.
September 5, 2002: Reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Jose Theodore, a restricted free agent with the Montreal Canadiens, signed a pact with the club today. Terms were not disclosed, but TSN is reporting that the deal is for three years and $16.5 million dollars, making the star netminder the highest-paid player in team history.
August 26, 2002: The Toronto Maple Leafs today signed goaltender Trevor Kidd, waived last Thursday by Florida, to a multi-year contract (terms undisclosed). The thirty-year-old Kidd, who will most likely back up Ed Belfour this season, has a 128-147-48 National Hockey League record, with a 2.81 goals-against average and eighteen shutouts.
July 4, 2002: After not being a New York Ranger for nearly a week, goaltender Mike Richter is back with the organization for whom he has played his entire NHL career. The 35-year-old inked a reported two-year, $8 million contract with the club, which is hoping to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 1997.
July 2, 2002: The Detroit Red Wings, looking for someone to take the reins from the recently-retired Dominik Hasek, have inked 35-year-old Curtis Joseph to a free-agent contract, reportedly for three years. Joseph, a thirteen-year vet, has won 346 games over his NHL career, but is still seeking his first Cup.
July 2, 2002: According to his own website, Ed Belfour has agreed on a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and is en route to the city to sign the contract. The 37-year-old looks to lead the club to their first Stanley Cup Finals since 1967.
June 25, 2002: 37-year-old future Hall-of-Fame goaltender Dominik Hasek made it official today - he's retiring after a twelve-year career in North American professional hockey. Hasek leaves the game with 288 regular-season wins, a 2.23 goals-against average, 92.4% save percentage, six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Trophies, an Olympic Gold Medal and (finally) a Stanley Cup. Best wishes to Dominik in his future endeavours.
June 25, 2002: The Boston Bruins today acquired goaltender Steve Shields from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for a third-round pick in next summer's entry draft. The 29-year-old, who has been a regular in the league since 1998, was picked up as insurance in case UFA Byron Dafoe signs with another club.
June 23, 2002: According to a report published in today's Buffalo News, future Hall-of-Famer Dominik Hasek told Detroit general manager last week of his intention to retire. Holland reportedly told Hasek to wait another week before making a formal announcement.
June 22, 2002: Congratulations to Finland's Kari Lehtonen, who was the first goaltender selected in today's National Hockey League entry draft, going second overall to the Atlanta Thrashers.
June 22, 2002: Netminder Jamie McLennan, who played last season for the Minnesota Wild's AHL affiliate in Houston, was dealt today to the Calgary Flames. In return, the Wild received a ninth-round selection in this weekend's entry draft. McLennan is now reunited with Roman Turek, whom he played with on the 1999-2000 St. Louis Blues.
June 20, 2002: Congratulations are in order to Montreal's Jose Theodore, who tonight was honoured with the Vezina Trophy (for the NHL's top goaltender) and the Hart Memorial Trophy (for the NHL's most valuable player). Theodore becomes just the sixth netminder to win the Hart Trophy.
June 18, 2002: When the Dallas Stars announced that they would not be resigning Ed Belfour for the 2002-03 NHL season, it foreshadowed an upcoming transaction. That news came today, as Dallas acquired netminder Ron Tugnutt from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the twentieth-overall selection in Saturday's entry draft. Dallas also received Columbus' second-round pick in the trade. Tugnutt, who will be joining his eighth NHL team (tying a league record for goaltenders), has 168 career wins in fourteen season.
June 12, 2002: The Philadelphia Flyers today traded goaltender Brian Boucher, who got the club to within one game of the Stanley Cup Finals a mere two years ago, to the Phoenix Coyotes today. In exchange, the Flyers receive netminder Robert Esche and centre Michal Handzus. Philadelphia also sent a third-round draft choice (Nashville's) to the Coyotes.
June 10, 2002: Wow! Tonight, Detroit's Dominik Hasek moved one step closer to the only major accolade he has yet to achieve with a 3-0 blanking of the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Finals. In the process, Hasek extended his own record with his sixth shutout of the playoffs, making seventeen saves in the process.
May 31, 2002: Tonight, Detroit netminder Dominik Hasek made history, blanking the Colorado Avalanche for the second consecutive game, making nineteen saves in a 7-0 win. In the process, Hasek became the first goaltender in NHL history to record five shutouts in a single postseason, and advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for just the second time in his storied career.
May 29, 2002: Congratulations to Detroit netminder Dominik Hasek, who tonight became just the fourteenth goaltender in National Hockey League history to record four shutouts in one postseason. In a must-win Game Six for the Red Wings, "The Dominator" stopped twenty-four Colorado shots in a 2-0 victory.
May 25, 2002: After spending two months back in the National Hockey League after his first retirement, New Jersey goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck has retired once again. The 38-year-old has accepted a job as general manager and coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, for whom he played from 1980 through 1983.
May 15, 2002: It might be Avs - Wings V, but it's also Roy - Hasek I, as the two greatest goaltenders of our generation square off for the first time in Stanley Cup playoff action. The series begins Saturday in Detroit.
May 1, 2002: More goaltender award finalists were named by the league today: Patrick Roy (Hart, Vezina), Jose Theodore (Hart, Vezina), and Sean Burke (Vezina). Good luck to all!
April 30, 2002: Goaltenders Sean Burke and Patrick Roy, along with Calgary forward Jarome Iginla, were today named finalists for the Lester B. Pearson Award, given to the player judged by his peers to be the best NHL player in the regular season.
April 22, 2002: Goaltender Jason LaBarbera, a prospect of the New York Rangers, was suspended for eighteen games today by the East Coast Hockey League. On April 6, while playing for the Charlotte Checkers, a pulled LaBarbera threw his stick down the tunnel leaing to his club's dressing room, where it bounced and hit a fan. Said the league's senior vice president of hockey operations, Troy Ward: "Although Mr. LaBarbera's actions were clearly unintentional, players are responsible for their sticks at all times."
April 20, 2002: While cleaning in my apartment, I came across a long-lost copy of The Hockey News' Future Watch 1995. It's fun to see the thoughts on players such as Cloutier, Dafoe, Dunham, Fernandez, Khabibulin, Legace, Salo, Storr, and others. Check it out!
April 6, 2002: Doug's Fine Books has been updated, with three new highly-recommended books: Jim Corsi's "The Hockey Goalie's Handbook", Klein and Reif's "Hockey Compendium", and Liam Maguire's "What's the Score?".
April 1, 2002: Tom Barrasso, acquired by the Maple Leafs in mid-March to bolster their playoff run, will be out at least 2-4 weeks with an unspecified hamstring injury. Mikael Tellqvist was recalled from the AHL to serve as Corey Schwab's backup.
April 1, 2002: Former Edmonton Oiler netminder Joaquin Gage was today named Most Valuable Player of the British Superleague. In 41 games for the Ayr Scottish Eagles, Gage had a 2.54 goals-against average, 92.0% save percentage, and four shutouts.
April 1, 2002: Phoenix netminder Sean Burke, who went 9-1-0 with a 1.70 goals-against average and one shutout, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month for March. The Coyotes, who reduced salary heavily at the end of last season, currently stand in fifth place in the Western Conference, thanks largely to Burke's heroics.
April 1, 2002: New Jersey Martin Brodeur was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week today. Brodeur went 3-0 last week, with a 1.67 GAA and 92.8% save percentage, helping to extend the Devils' road winning streak to five games.
March 26, 2002: New York Rangers' netminder Mike Richter, who left his club's game against Atlanta Friday after being struck in the mask by a shot from Chris Tamer, will miss the remainder of the season with a slight skull fracture.
March 25, 2002: Goaltender Tommy Salo, who won all three of his starts this week with the playoff-craving Edmonton Oilers, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Salo went 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average, 97.6% save percentage and one shutout to win the award. Among those considered for the award was Toronto's Corey Schwab.
March 21, 2002: It was learned today that Florida Panthers' goaltender Roberto Luongo, who left last night's game against Montreal with an apparent sprained ankle, will miss the remainder of the season while rehabilitating a torn ligament in his right ankle. The Panthers recalled Wade Flaherty from Utah of the AHL.
March 19, 2002: The Philadelphia Flyers have traded yet another prospect goaltender today, sending Maxime Ouellet (and their first three draft choices this June) to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Adam Oates.
March 19, 2002: Stephane Fiset, who has been the Kings' third wheel ever since their acquisition of Felix Potvin last year, was finally sent free today, being sent to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional draft choice.
March 15, 2002: The Toronto Maple Leafs today acquired netminder Tom Barrasso from the Carolina Hurricanes, in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2003 draft. Barrasso, the winningest American-born goaltender of all-time, is 13-12-5 this season with a 2.61 goals-against average.
March 10, 2002: Add third-year San Jose goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to the logs of goal-scoring goalies. In tonight's 7-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, Nabokov tallied on a power-play goal, where he shot the puck from the top of his own crease while Vancouver goaltender Peter Skudra was off for an extra skater.
March 6, 2002: The Canadiens have been bitten by the injury bug yet again. Montreal goaltender Jeff Hackett, while reacting to make a save in tonight's 5-3 win over Buffalo, dislocated his left shoulder for the second time this season. Hackett, who missed twenty games after suffering the same injury in mid-October, is considering season-ending surgery to correct the problem. Replacing him on the roster will be Mathieu Garon, who was recalled from the AHL Quebec Citadelles.
March 5, 2002: According to their web site, the Carolina Hurricanes have acquired goaltender Kevin Weekes from Tampa Bay. In return, the Lightning receive right wing Shane Willis and left wing Chris Dingman. With vets Arturs Irbe and Tom Barrasso already on the roster, it is unknown what the 'Canes will do this season, but the acquisition of Weekes gives the club a solid young goaltender for the future.
February 27: Curtis Joseph, one of the main reasons that the Toronto Maple Leafs are doing so well this year, left last night's game against Carolina after suffering a spril fracture of the metacarpal bone in his left hand. Joseph will be out up to two months. Corey Schwab will handle starting duties for the club, which called up Sebastien Centomo from St. John's.
February 25: The final goaltending statistics for the men's Olympic hockey tournament are now online. I did these by hand, so if you notice anything off, please let me know!. Congrats to Team Canada for a great win!
February 23: If you're looking for prospects, you've come to the right place - on the site are The Hockey News' Future Watch for each season between 1998 and 2001. One catch - only the goaltenders are listed (as hinted at in the web site title). Enjoy!
February 21: The final goaltending statistics for the women's Olympic hockey tournament in Salt Lake City are now available.
February 4: The New Jersey Devils today agreed to terms with formerly-retired goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, giving the team the veteran backup they were searching for. Vanbiesbrouck probably won't sign his contract until after the Olympics.
February 4: Philippe Sauve, the Hershey Bears goaltender (and son of former big-leaguer Bob Sauve) was today named the American Hockey League's Player of the Week.
January 23, 2001: A rumour from a credible source tells me that Vancouver's Peter Skudra is too injured to play in the club's game in Dallas tonight; therefore, rookie Alex Auld will make his National Hockey League debut.
January 22, 2002: Canucks' #1 goaltender Dan Cloutier, injured during Vancouver's 7-5 win at Carolina last night, will be sidelined for at least one week with a sprained left ankle. The club recalled Alex Auld from Manitoba of the AHL.
January 21, 2002: Congratulations to Philadelphia's Roman Cechmanek, today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. The 30-year-old Czech netminder went 4-0-0 with a 1.20 GAA and 95.8% save percentage in four games last week. Chicago's Jocelyn Thibault was a finalist.
January 16, 2001: My guestbook was hacked, and I lost it (for now, at least). Anyhow, I've reset it so that it can be used again, at least. Enjoy!
January 11, 2001: Phoenix Coyotes' Sean Burke, who suffered a strained groin during Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks, will be sidelined for up to two weeks. The Coyotes are expected to recall Patrick Desrochers from AHL Springfield.
December 26, 2001: It takes something big for me to access the GHP while I'm visiting family in Seattle, but Colorado's Patrick Roy was more than happy to oblige. Needing one win to become the first National Hockey League netminder in the 500-win club, Saint Patrick stopped thirty-one Dallas Star shots to earn the 2-0 victory. Roy's shutout tied him with Dominik Hasek atop the active NHL shutout list (59), and tied his season-high with his seventh whitewashing of the year.
December 15, 2001: With his team's 2-0 victory over Ottawa at the Corel Centre tonight, New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur became the youngest goaltender in National Hockey League history to record his 300th win. Brodeur stopped thirty-nine shots in the win, tying him for the most saves in a shutout this season.
December 10, 2001: There's an excellent article at ESPN.com, written by Rob Parent, on goaltender Garth Snow's brother's battle with leukemia.
December 3, 2001: Mike Richter, who followed up his first NHL shutout in thirty-three months (143 games) with a second one three nights later, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. In Richter's other game last week, he earned a 2-2 tie with a 47-save performace against Buffalo.
November 28, 2001: Edmonton Oilers' rookie goaltender Jussi Markkanen took just sixty minutes to record his first NHL appearance, first NHL win and first NHL shutout, stopping twenty-seven Anaheim shots in a 2-0 Edmonton victory. The 26-year-old had thirteen saves in the final period, including a nice glove save on Paul Kariya's one-timer from the slot early.
November 26, 2001: The San Jose Sharks recalled netminder Miikka Kiprusoff from Cleveland of the AHL, where he won the league's player of the week award today. Vesa Toskala was returned to the minors.
November 26, 2001: Tampa Bay goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who recorded back-to-back shutouts Friday and Sunday (with a total of 70 saves), was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. For the week, Khabibulin recorded a 0.67 goals-against average, 98.0% save percentage, and the aforementioned two shutouts, winning all three of his starts.
November 19, 2001: Goaltender Patrick Roy, whose career-best shutout streak currently stands at 183 minutes, 53 seconds, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Roy stopped all ninety shots he faced in earning three shutout victories.
November 19, 2001: Miikka Kiprusoff , 1-2-1 with a 3.07 goals-against average this season with San Jose, was sent down to AHL Cleveland today. Kiprusoff was replaced on the Sharks' NHL roster by fellow Finn Vesa Toskala.
November 15, 2001: Brian Boucher, the Philadelphia goaltender off to a fantastic start, will miss 2-3 weeks with a strained left hamstring, suffered in Thursday's 5-0 victory over the Washington Capitals. Boucher, working on his third shutout of the young season, collided with teammate Kim Johnsson after stopping a Peter Bondra shot late in the second period.
November 7, 2001: The Vancouver Canucks today signed 28-year-old netminder Peter Skudra, waiving Martin Brochu. Skudra, who had been playing with the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate in Hartford, is expected to suit up Thursday for the Canucks' game in St. Louis.
November 5, 2001: After struggling through a dismal sophomore campaign, it appears that Philadelphia's Brian Boucher is back on track. Today, the 24-year-old netminder was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Boucher appeared in three games last week, going 2-0-1 with a 0.67 GAA, 97.8% save percentage, and back-to-back shutouts against Washington and Pittsburgh.
November 1, 2001: After leading his new team to the league's best record, waiver-wire acquisition Chris Osgood was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month for October. Osgood has gone 8-1-1 for the New York Islanders, with a 1.85 goals-against average, 93.6% save percentage and two shutouts. Another recently-moved goaltender, Calgary's Roman Turek, was among the finalists for the award.
October 29, 2001: 25-year-old netminder Eric Fichaud announced his retirement today, although he was not ready to rule out a future return to the game. The 1994 first-rounder said, essentially, that he was tired of moving from city to city.
October 20, 2001: The Montreal Canadiens, snakebitten with injuries for the past few seasons, couldn't get out of the first month of the season without suffering yet another serious injury. Thirteen seconds into tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres, starting goaltender Jeff Hackett dislocated his left shoulder when he collided with Sabre forward Jean-Pierre Dumont. Hackett will be out indefinitely.
October 15, 2001: Congratulations to 18-year-old netminder Dan Blackburn, who earned his first National Hockey League victory tonight with a 2-1 win over Montreal. In stopped twenty-two Canadien shots, Blackburn also earns his first Goaltender of the Day award.
October 14, 2001: In a matinee game, Buffalo's Martin Biron stopped all but one of 26 Pittsburgh Penguin shots, leading his Sabres to a 4-1 victory. In doing so, Biron garners his first Goaltender of the Day award of the season.
October 13, 2001: Kevin Weekes' feelings regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning's acquisition of Nikolai Khabibulin last spring are well known. While waiting for a possible trade, however, he has done everything possible on the ice. In his first start of the season, Weekes stopped 31 Los Angeles shots en route to a 1-0 shutout victory, earning him Goaltender of the Day honours.
October 12, 2001: On a night where former Buffalo star Dominik Hasek faced current Buffalo phenom Martin Biron, it was another former Sabre netminder, Steve Shields, who stole the show. In a 2-1 victory over Anaheim, Shields stopped 28 of 29 shots, earning him the Goaltender of the Day.
October 11, 2001: Jocelyn Thibault's thirty-three save effort led the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-0 shutout win over Phoenix. Chicago clung to a 1-0 lead until scoring two empty-net goals in the final minute. Thibault's performance is worth of the Goaltender of the Day.
October 10, 2001: Edmonton's Tommy Salo may have only seen eleven shots in tonight's game, but he had to stop all of them, as his Oilers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 1-0. Salo is the Goaltender of the Day.
October 9, 2001: In a matinee, Boston's Byron Dafoe stopped all twenty-two Washington Capital shots he faced, earning his first shutout of the season, the 23rd of his career, and the Goaltender of the Day honours.
October 8, 2001: Goaltender Trivia is back for its eighth season! Stop on by!
October 8, 2001: Calgary's Roman Turek, who hasn't allowed a single goal this season, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Turek has compiled shutouts of 24 and 23 saves, in knocking off provincial rival Edmonton and Cup contender Dallas.
October 7, 2001: Arturs Irbe becomes the first two-time winner of the Goaltender of the Day award, stopping 32 shots in an impressive 3-0 Carolina win over Dallas.
October 6, 2001: Tonight's Goaltender of the Day didn't even win his game! Minnesota's Dwayne Roloson, making his first start since signing as a free agent, stopped all 36 San Jose shots he faced, but had to settle for a 0-0 overtime time, as the Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov matched him with 19 saves.
October 5, 2001: Carolina's Arturs Irbe ruined the debut of the "new-look Rangers", earning the Goaltender of the Day award by stopping all but one of 30 New York shots in a 3-1 victory.
October 4, 2001: It was another great Czech goaltending performance in Buffalo tonight, as Atlanta's Milan Hnilicka stopped 27 of 28 shots to defeat the Sabres, 2-1. Hnilicka is today's Goaltender of the Day.
October 3, 2001: Tonight's Goaltender of the Day was Calgary Flames' netminder Roman Turek. Turek, making his first start as a Flame, stopped 24 Edmonton Oiler shots to record his sixteenth career regular-season shutout.
September 28, 2001: With the first selection in today's NHL waiver draft, the New York Islanders selected 28-year-old Chris Osgood from Detroit. A two-time Cup-winner, Osgood has 221 wins in his eight National Hockey League seasons, including thirty shutouts. Later in the draft, the Vancouver Canucks selected 28-year-old Martin Brochu from the Minnesota Wild.
September 26, 2001: Goaltenders available in Friday's National Hockey League Waiver Draft: Tom Askey, Stephane Beauregard, Martin Brochu, Frederic Cassivi, Sebastien Charpentier, Marcel Cousineau, Scott Fankhouser, Stephane Fiset, Wade Flaherty, Corey Hirsch, Dieter Kochan, Jean-Francois Labbe, Neil Little, Norm Maracle, Jamie McLennan, Mike Minard, Tyler Moss, Dan Murphy, Chris Osgood, Travis Scott, Rick Tabaracci, Rob Tallas, Andrei Trefilov, Kay Whitmore, Vitali Yeremeyev.
September 15, 2001: I've set up a listing of all goaltenders who have been invited to NHL Training Camps this September.
September 22, 2001: Zac Bierk, who signed with the Phoenix Coyotes three weeks ago, will be sidelined for up to six weeks following successful hip surgery. The 25-year-old, who played primarily for Cleveland (IHL) last season, has appeared in 27 National Hockey League contests over a four-season span.
September 13, 2001: The Florida Panthers today resigned goaltender Roberto Luongo. The 22-year-old, who recorded a 12-24-7 record, 2.44 goals-against average, and five shutouts for the Panthers last season, agreed on a four-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
September 10, 2001: Alright, folks - I'm back into the swing of things. I lost a lot of email over the summer, so send me another if you haven't heard back. Check out the Olympic Biographies that I've been working on, and if you can help with some of the European netminders' biographies, I'd appreciate it.
July 19, 2001: The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the resigning of restricted free agent Jocelyn Thibault . Last season, Chicago's #1 netminder recorded career highs in games (66), minutes (3844), wins (27) and shutouts (6).
July 19, 2001: Dominik Hasek, in the hospital for the past two weeks, was released today. Hasek was being treated for an unspecified illness.
July 18, 2001: Dan Cloutier, acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in February, was resigned by the club today. Cloutier was 4-6-5 with the Canucks after being traded from Tampa Bay.
July 17, 2001: 36-year-old Tom Barrasso, who last played in 2000 with the Ottawa Senators, agreed to a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes today. The 17-year veteran ranks eleventh all-time in NHL wins (353), and is one of only four netminders to win the Calder and Vezina Trophies in the same season.
July 16, 2001: Dominik Hasek, the all-star goaltender recently acquired by the Detroit Red Wings, does not have a heart condition and is improving, according to the Detroit News. Hasek, who has been hospitalized in his hometown of Pardubice since July 5, has a viral infection and should be ready for the 2001-02 season.
July 16, 2001: Ottawa netminder Patrick Lalime filed for salary arbitration last night, and will have his case heard before an independent arbitrator next month in Toronto. Lalime is believed to be seeking $2 million (US) per season.
July 11, 2001: Czech superstar goaltender Dominik Hasek has been hospitalized in his hometown of Pardubice with a viral infection. The 36-year-old, traded to Detroit last month, arrived in Prague last Wednesday but was taken to the hospital 24 hours later.
July 11, 2001: Kevin Weekes, who set a career-high with twenty wins last season, was signed to a multi-year contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the Lightning last season, Weekes also set career highs in games (61) and shutouts (4). His 1565 saves set a Tampa Bay franchise record.
July 9, 2001: Veteran netminder Kay Whitmore, who appeared in five games for the Boston Bruins last year after a five-season absence from the National Hockey League, agreed to a contract with the Calgary Flames today. The 34-year-old has a 3.51 goals-against average in 151 National Hockey League games with Hartford, Vancouver and Boston.
July 2, 2001: The Minnesota Wild today signed free-agent goaltender Dwayne Roloson to a contract. The 31-year-old played for the Worcester IceCats of the American Hockey League last season, going 32-15-5 with a league-leading 2.17 goals-against average and 92.9% save percentage in 52 games.
July 1, 2001: The Colorado Avalanche today resigned four-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Patrick Roy, to a three-year contract extension worth $8.5 million per season. Roy, who went 40-13-7 with a 2.21 goals-against average and 91.3% save percentage, had expressed a desire to remain with the club.
July 1, 2001: Garth Snow, the 32-year-old netminder who lost his starting role in Pittsburgh due to a groin injury, agreed to terms on a contract with the New York Islanders today. Snow will most likely serve as a mentor to prospect Rick DiPietro, becoming the third American-born goaltender to fill that role in the past twelve months.
June 30, 2001: The Detroit Red Wings have today acquired six-time Vezina Trophy winner Dominik Hasek from Buffalo. The 36-year-old netminder, who was rumoured to be on the way to divisional rival St. Louis, went 37-24-4 with a 2.11 goals-against average and 92.1% save percentage, leading the NHL with 11 shutouts. In return, the Sabres receive left wing Vyacheslav Kozlov, a first-round selection in next year's draft, and future considerations.
June 26, 2001: The New York Rangers today signed St. Cloud State goaltender Scott Meyer to a contract; terms were undisclosed. The 25-year-old put up a 25-8-1 record, 2.23 GAA and 92.6% save percentage in thirty-six games.
June 26, 2001: Bob Essensa, who ended up starting for the Vancouver Canucks last season, was released by the club today. In 39 games, Essensa was 18-12-3 with a GAA of 2.68. He played well in a pair of playoff losses before a knee injury forced him to sit out the final game.
June 23, 2001: Four goaltenders went in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft today in Sunrise, Florida, headed by Halifax (QMJHL) netminder Pascal LeClaire (8th overall, Columbus). Also going in the first round: Daniel Blackburn (Kootenay WHL, 10th overall, NY Rangers), Jason Bacashihua (Chicago NAHL, 26th overall, Dallas), and Adam Munro (Erie OHL, 29th overall, Chicago).
June 23, 2001: Goaltender Roman Turek, who disappointed in this spring's Western Conference Finals, was traded today by the St. Louis Blues to the Calgary Flames in exchange for netminder Fred Brathwaite, Daniel Tkaczuk and Sergei Varlamov. Draft picks were also swapped.
June 14, 2001: Congratulations to the goaltenders who won awards at the NHL's annual awards show. Buffalo's Dominik Hasek took home the Vezina (his sixth) and Jennings Trophies, while San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov became the first netminder in seven years (Martin Brodeur) to capture the Calder.
June 9, 2001: Perhaps they should change the award's name to "Most Valuable Patrick". Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, who made twenty-five saves to pace his club to a seventh-game victory in Game Seven of the 2001 Stanley cup Finals, was awarded his unprecedented third Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the postseason. Roy shut out the Devils twice, and his 227-minute, 41-second Finals shutout streak (carried over from 1996) fell just short of the all-time mark.
June 9, 2001: New Jersey Devil John Vanbiesbrouck, who entered the National Hockey League nearly twenty years ago, retired today. The 37-year-old, whose bid for his first Stanley Cup ended in a Game Seven loss to Colorado tonight, felt that it was time to move on. "I just feel like it's time to pursue other endeavours. I came in as a young 18-year-old in Colorado and played my first game. It's ironic my last game is here, too. It's been a special twenty years."
June 7, 2001: Colorado's Patrick Roy, whose Avalanche shut out New Jersey in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Finals this evening, earned his nineteenth career National Hockey League shutout, further extending his league record. Game Seven, the first since 1994, will be held in Denver on Saturday.
May 31, 2001: The Vancouver Canucks acquired goaltender Alexander Auld from the Florida Panthers, in exchange for two draft choices, today. Auld, who played for the Ontario Hockey League's North Bay Centennials, was 22-11-5 with a 2.54 goals-against average.
May 25, 2001: With his team's 5-0 blanking of the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy recorded his eighteenth career postseason shutout, extending his National Hockey League record. The two teams square off again in Denver on Tuesday.
May 13, 2001: According to a report in The Buffalo News, Dominik Hasek is willing to come back to the Sabres next season for a reduced ($6 million) salary. Hasek had refused to discuss his future during the season, but he has two obvious reasons for returning: Hasek would like one more chance at the Stanley Cup, and he also feels that playing in the NHL would be the best way to prepare for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
May 11, 2001: Dominik Hasek, whose Buffalo Sabres lost in overtime of Game Seven to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night, has said that he will need some time ("two or three weeks") to decide if his National Hockey League career will continue. The Sabres hold a $9 million option on Hasek, but the two-time Hart Trophy winner may decide to retire. Don't cry for the Sabres, however, who - with Martin Biron, Mika Noronen and Ryan Miller - are well-stocked with quality goaltenders for at least the next decade.
April 28, 2001: With his twenty-save shutout in Colorado's 2-0 blanking of Los Angeles today, Avalanche netminder Patrick Roy became the National Hockey League's all-time postseason shutout leader. Roy's sixteen whitewashings breaks a tie held with Hall-of-Famer Clint Benedict.
April 26, 2001: Norm Maracle, who went 33-13-3 with a 2.02 goals-against average and a league-leading eight shutouts for the Orlando Solar Bears, was today named the International Hockey League's Most Valuable Player. The 26-year-old's season included a fourteen game unbeaten streak, stretching from January 25 through April 3.
April 18, 2001: With Bob Essensa out with a sprained knee, the Vancouver Canucks will go with Dan Cloutier tonight when they face the Colorado Avalanche in game four of their first-round series. Essensa, who performed remarkably in Vancouver's game-two and game-three losses to the Avs, is day-to-day.
March 17, 2001: Nikolai Khabibulin, who had held out with the Phoenix Coyotes for nearly two seasons, took just twelve days to reach a contract agreement with his new team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Terms were not released, but rumour suggests that the deal is for four years and $17.5 million.
March 12, 2001: The New Jersey Devils, who were looking for a goaltender to complement starter Martin Brodeur, found him today in John Vanbiesbrouck, acquired today from the New York Islanders. In return the Islanders get veteran Chris Terreri and a ninth-round selection in this summer's entry draft.
March 7, 2001: Guy Hebert, who has been the #1 goaltender for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim since their inception in 1993, has been claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers today.
March 5, 2001: The Phoenix goaltending stalemate is over! According to TSN, the Coyotes have dealt netminder Nikolai Khabibulin and defenseman Stan Neckar to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Paul Mara, wing Mike Johnson, the rights to Russian prospect Ruslan Zainullin and a second-round selection (from NYI) in this summer's entry draft.
March 5, 2001: The Minnesota Wild today recalled Zac Bierk from Cleveland of the International League. Bierk, who has five IHL shutouts this season, was 16-14-4 with a 2.98 goals-against average in 36 games with the Lumberjacks.
February 28, 2001: The Los Angeles Kings, who were faced with a major goaltending logjam after acquiring Felix Potvin two weeks ago, alleviated some of the problem by returning Steve Passmore to the Chicago Blackhawks, in exchange for an eighth-round draft choice, today.
February 19, 2001: After suffering a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in today's matinee game against the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Ranger goaltender Mike Richter will be lost for the remainder of the season. Richter had been rumoured to be headed to St. Louis in trade. The Rangers have recalled Vitali Yeremeyev from AHL Hartford to hack up Kirk McLean.
February 19, 2001: After going 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and 96.2% save percentage, Ottawa Senators netminder Patrick Lalime was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Philadephia goaltender Roman Cechmanek (3-0-0, 1.33 GAA, 95.5% sv) was among the finalists.
February 16, 2001: The Tampa Bay Lightning, who sent co-#1 netminder Dan Cloutier to the Vancouver Canucks last week, have acquired Wade Flaherty from the New York Islanders today, in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Flaherty, who enjoyed good success early in his career with San Jose, has struggled since.
February 15, 2001: The Los Angeles Kings today acquired exiled goaltender Felix Potvin from the Vancouver Canucks, in exchange for future considerations. The 29-year-old netminder is on his fourth team in twenty-five months, and has not had success since the mid-1990's with Toronto.
February 7, 2001: The Vancouver Canucks, who have been unhappy with the play of #1 netminder Felix Potvin, have acquired 24-year-old goaltender Dan Cloutier from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, the Lightning receive defenseman Adrian Aucoin and a second-round selection in the 2001 draft. As for Potvin, he has been asked to accept a conditioning assignment by the team, who will try to pass him through waivers if he refuses.
January 31, 2001: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy was cleared today in a domestic violence case stemming from a heated argument with his wife about in-laws. The incident occurred about one week after Roy broke Terry Sawchuk's NHL career victory record.
January 29, 2001: San Jose rookie netminder Evgeni Nabokov was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Nabokov, who will be headed to Denver this weekend to participate in the 2000-01 NHL All-Star Game, was 2-0-1 with a 1.30 goals-against average and 94.7% save percentage.
January 27, 2001: First-overall draft choice Rick DiPietro made his long-awaited National Hockey League debut tonight for the New York Islanders. DiPietro allowed two goals on thirty-one shots against the Buffalo Sabres, and assisted on the lone Islander goal, before leaving with cramps at 15:55 of the third period.
January 27, 2001: The Calgary Flames have agreed on a contract extension with Mike Vernon, the winningest goaltender in team history. Terms were not disclosed on the contract, which runs through 2001-02.
January 24, 2001: St. Louis Blues' rookie goaltender Brent Johnson, who twisted his knee in warmups before last night's game at Montreal, is day-to-day. The Blues have recalled Dwayne Roloson from Worcester of the AHL.
January 18, 2001: With his team's 2-1 overtime victory over Toronto, New York Rangers' goaltender Mike Richter earned his 267th victory with the club, eclipsing the record held by Hall-of-Famer Ed Giacomin. Richter, drafted by the organization in 1985, has spent all of his twelve NHL seasons as a Ranger.
January 17, 2001: Mike Palmateer, one of the most colourful goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League, was today named goaltending coach of the New York Islanders.
January 15, 2001: Flyers' goaltender Roman Cechmanek was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Cechmanek, a 29-year-old rookie, went 3-0 with a 0.66 GAA, 97.3% save percentage, and one shutout. Two other goaltenders were finalists for the award: Bob Essensa and Byron Dafoe.
January 12, 2001: Columbus Blue Jackets' goaltender Ron Tugnutt, who missed seven games due to a sprained right thumb, was activated from injured reserve today by the club. To make room, the team assigned Jean-Francois Labbe, who saw no game action with the Blue Jackets, to Syracuse of the American Hockey League.
January 11, 2001: The New York Rangers today recalled goaltender Vitali Yeremeyev from Hartford of the American Hockey League. In thirteen games, Yeremeyev is 6-5-1 with a league-leading 1.94 GAA.
January 10, 2001: Mike Taylor sent me the following site, which contains information on NHL Goaltenders' Current Salaries. I'll place a permanent link in the "Statistics" section of the page. Thanks, Mike!
January 10, 2001: The Edmonton Oilers, who have desired a quality goaltender to back up Tommy Salo, claimed 30-year-old Dominic Roussel off waivers from Anaheim. Roussel will travel to Edmonton today, but will not be in the lineup tonight against the Nashville Predators.
January 9, 2001: Goaltender Ed Belfour returned to the Dallas Stars this morning, after his suspension was lifted in a morning meeting with coach Ken Hitchcock, GM Bob Gainey, and assistant GM Doug Armstrong. It is not known whether Belfour or Marty Turco, who has played well in consecutive starts, will be in net when the Stars face Atlanta on Wednesday.
January 8, 2001: Lightning goaltender Kevin Weekes was placed on injured reserve today with a groin strain. Weekes suffered the injury in Saturday's loss to Chicago. To replace Weekes on the roster, Tampa Bay recalled Dieter Kochan from IHL Detroit; Kochan will back up Dan Cloutier.
January 7, 2000: The Dallas Stars have suspended AWOL goaltender Ed Belfour after Belfour left the team Saturday. After Dallas coach Ken Hitchcock told Belfour that Marty Turco would start that night, Belfour refused to participate in Saturday's morning skate, and left. 32-year-old Rick Tabaracci, a veteran of 286 NHL games, was recalled from IHL Utah.
December 18, 2000: Jason Kurylo just informed me of a great web site, featuring photographs of classic mask art from the 1970s. Check out www.hockeymasks.com!
December 18, 2000: Roberto Luongo, demoted by the Florida Panthers last week, was recalled today by the Florida Panthers. In three games for AHL Louisville, Luongo was 1-2. Replacing him in Louisville will be Sean Gauthier, who has spent most of the season there.
December 18, 2000: Washington's Olaf Kolzig was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week, becoming the third goaltender in succession to win the award. Kolzig was 3-0-0 with a 1.01 goals-against average and a 95.5% save percentage, leading the Capitals to the top of the woeful Southeast Division.
December 16, 2000: As a result of his actions in Friday night's game against Florida, Pittsburgh Penguin goaltender Garth Snow has been suspended by the NHL for two games. After Florida's Peter Worrell took a swipe at Penguins' star Jaromir Jagr, Snow left his crease to attack Worrell, receiving a roughing minor. With Jean-Sebastien Aubin still recovering from surgery, the goaltending chores go to Rich Parent.
December 14, 2000: In a surprising move, the Florida Panthers demoted heralded Roberto Luongo to the American Hockey League, recalling netminder Sean Gauthier. Gauthier has three minutes of NHL experience.
December 13, 2000: The Atlanta Thrashers have activated goaltender Damian Rhodes from the injured list, assigning Scott Fankhouser to the IHL's Orlando Solar Bears. Rhodes, out with knee and groin injuries, has not played since November 4.
December 12, 2000: Jeff Hackett, the Montreal Canadiens' goaltender sidelined with a broken right hand, says that he is available to play Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames. "I still have to get used to playing under game conditions. My hand feels OK and I have to start somewhere," said Hackett Monday.
December 11, 2000: Columbus Blue Jackets' goaltender Marc Denis was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week today. Acquired from Colorado over the offseason, the 23-year-old went 2-0-1 with a 1.58 goals-against average for the expansion team.
December 7, 2000: Jean-Francois Labbe was sent from the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets to their minor-league affiliate, the AHL Syracuse Crunch, on Thursday. Labbe was recalled on December 3 to fill in for Ron Tugnutt, who was sidelined with a strained hip flexor. Tugnutt is expected to return Friday against Boston.
December 7, 2000: Ottawa Senators' goaltender Jani Hurme inked a multi-year contract with the organization today. Terms were not disclosed.
December 5, 2000: Rick DiPietro, the first goaltender in 31 years to be selected first overall in the NHL entry draft, will compete with the United States junior hockey team in the International Ice Hockey Federation world junior championship.
December 4, 2000: Patrick Lalime, who led his Ottawa Senators to three straight wins, was named NHL Player of the Week today. Lalime went 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and 95.3% save percentage as the Senators defeated Buffalo, Philadelphia and Carolina.
December 4, 2000: The Penguins' Jean-Sebastian Aubin underwent left knee surgery today, and will be sidelined for two to four weeks. Aubin began the season as the Pens' No. 1 goaltender but has shared time with free agent signee Garth Snow.
December 4, 2000: The Columbus Blue Jackets today recalled 28-year-old netminder Jean-Francois Labbe. Labbe, 6-7-3 with a 3.24 GAA and 90.8% save percentage with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch, will back up Marc Denis while starter Ron Tugnutt recovers from a strained hip flexor, suffered in Saturday night's 2-1 loss to Atlanta.
November 29, 2000: Stephane Fiset, the 30-year-old goaltender who has been sidelined for the entire season with a sprained knee, was activated today by the Los Angeles Kings. Fiset was sent to AHL Lowell, and recorded 29 saves in a 3-3 tie against Norfolk tonight.
November 14, 2000: The Boston Bruins today claimed 27-year-old netminder Peter Skudra off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres.
November 9, 2000: The New York Rangers today traded goaltender Jean-Francois Labbe to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Labbe, a four-time American Hockey League all-star, led his Hartford Wolf Pack team to the Calder Cup championship last spring. In exchange, the Rangers receive defenseman Bert Robertsson.
November 7, 2000: Martin Biron, considered to be the Buffalo Sabres' goaltender of the future, agreed to terms with the club today and was sent to the minor league Rochester Americans for conditioning. Terms were not disclosed.
November 6, 2000: Atlanta Thrashers' goaltender Damian Rhodes is expected to miss 2-3 weeks after suffering a groin injury in Saturday's game against the Bruins. The Thrashers are expected to call up Scott Fankhouser from IHL Orlando to back up Milan Hnilicka. For more on Rhodes' troubled life of late, please visit Bruce Garrioch's story from the Ottawa Sun.
November 1, 2000: The Washington Capitals today signed goaltender Corey Hirsch to a one-year contract and immediately lent him to the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats. Hirsch, who spent last season in the International League (Milwaukee and Utah), has appeared in 105 National Hockey League games between 1992 and 1999.
October 27, 2000: Mike Dunham, goaltender for the Nashville Predators, suffered a sprained left knee in the first period of tonight's 3-3 tie with the Florida Panthers. He will be out between two and four weeks. Goaltender Chris Mason was recalled from IHL Milwaukee and will join the team on Sunday.
October 27, 2000: The Philadelphia Flyers have returned goaltender Maxime Ouellet to Rouyn-Noranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. "We felt he's probably going to play 60 or 70 games in junior hockey," said Flyers general manager Bob Clarke. "That would be better for his development. At this stage his development is more important. (Full story from Canoe)
October 27, 2000: Montreal starting netminder Jeff Hackett, who broke a bone in his stick hand last week, is expected to miss six weeks. In his stead, the Canadiens will be led in net by young Jose Theodore, and backed up by Mathieu Garon. (Full story from Canoe)
October 17, 2000: (ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN DENVER) The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Washington Capitals tonight, 4-3 in overtime, making goaltender Patrick Roy the National Hockey League's all-time winningest regular-season netminder, with 448 wins. Roy had been tied with legendary Hall-of-Famer Terry Sawchuk.
October 17, 2000: The Minnesota Wild have recalled 24-year-old goaltender Zac Bierk from the International Hockey League's Cleveland Lumberjacks. Bierk was 2-1 in four IHL contests.
October 16, 2000: Patrick Roy, who tied Terry Sawchuk with 447 regular-season victories on Saturday, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. The 35-year-old netminder was 3-0-2 last week, with a 1.35 goals-against average and 93.5% save percentage; his first chance to break Sawchuk's record is Tuesday in Washington.
October 16, 2000: Ottawa Senators goaltender Patrick Lalime will be sidelined for up to ten days with a sprained left medial collateral ligament in his knee, suffered during the Sens' 4-0 victory over Toronto Saturday. Jani Hurme will start in his stead, and the Senators have recalled rookie Mathieu Chouinard.
October 14, 2000: Goaltender Patrick Roy goes for the all-time wins record tonight, as his Colorado Avalanche meet the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. His next victory will tie him with Hall-of-Famer Terry Sawchuk, who recorded 447 victories in his twenty-one year career.
October 10, 2000: Thirty-one year old netminder Garth Snow agreed to a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Snow had been playing in the American Hockey League with the Penguins' affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, posting a 2.36 GAA and 92.0% save percentage.
October 9, 2000: The Montreal Canadiens today recalled goaltender Jose Theodore from Quebec of the American Hockey League, and sent down rookie Mathieu Garon. Theodore, who agreed to terms on a two-year contract last week, recorded two victories for the Citadelles over the weekend.
October 6, 2000: The NHL's San Jose Sharks today inked goaltender Steve Shields to a contract; terms were not disclosed. Last season, Shields posted a record of 27-30-8, setting career highs in wins and appearances (67), earning the No. 1 spot ahead of Mike Vernon and making the six-time All-Star expendable. He had four shutouts and his .911 save percentage ranked second in team history to his own .921 mark posted in 1998-99.
October 6, 2000: Three days after agreeing to a free agent contract with the Boston Bruins, netminder Peter Skudra was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Sabres. Skudra will back up rookie Mika Noronen, who ascended to the top spot after all-world goalie Dominik Hasek sprained his left knee last night against Chicago.
October 5, 2000: Dominik Hasek, who returned to the Sabres after an injury-plagued 1999-2000 campaign, sustained an apparent left knee injury in Thursday night's contest against Chicago. The five-time Vezina Trophy winner was face down in the crease, covering the lower part of the net with the Blackhawks pressing for a goal. Chicago's Tony Amonte, standing in front, was bowled over by Buffalo's Jay McKee. Amonte fell forward and landed on the back of Hasek's left knee. Hasek got up immediately and went to the bench, favoring his left leg. He threw down his stick and blocker in a fit of frustration. The severity of the injury was not immediately known. With Martin Biron in the midst of a contract squabble, Buffalo replaced Hasek in the net with rookie Mika Noronen.
October 3, 2000: The Pittsburgh Penguins, who have been searching for a true number-one goaltender for the entire summer, signed veteran Garth Snow to a 25-game tryout contract with their AHL club in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. To make room, goalie Marc Scally was sent to the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers.
October 3, 2000: The Montreal Canadiens and twenty-four year old netminder Jose Theodore agreed on a two year contract today, three days prior to the Habs' Friday opener. Theodore spent the majority of 1999-2000 as Jeff Hackett's backup, but challenged Hackett repeatedly, playing in thirty games, with a 2.10 GAA and 91.9% save percentage.
October 3, 2000: Peter Skudra, who spent parts of the past three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, inked a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins today. Skudra will start the season as backup to Byron Dafoe.
Septemner 27, 2000: Highly-touted Carolina Hurricanes' prospect Jean-Marc Pelletier, expected to challenge for the backup job to Arturs Irbe, was sent down to IHL Cincinnati. ``His ankle hasn't healed completely and he's trying to play and trying to win a job and it's just not fair to him because he can't do what he normally does,'' general manager Jim Rutherford said of the 6-foot-3 Pelletier. For now, free agent acquisition Tyler Moss will remain on the Hurricanes' roster.
September 27, 2000: John Grahame, the Boston Bruins' backup goaltender who broke his ankle while stepping off of a curb Saturday night, has been suspended, without pay, for an indefinite period by the club. The Bruins don't have to pay Grahame or cover his medical expenses during the suspension, although his medical care is taken care of by the NHL players' association.
September 26, 2000: Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Olaf Kolzig will miss at least the first week of the NHL's regular season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery today on his right knee. With Kolzig sidelined, veteran backup Craig Billington should get the start when the Capitals open the regular season October 6 vs. Los Angeles.
September 26, 2000: The New York Islanders today sent nineteen-year-old goaltender Rick DiPietro, the first goaltender to be selected first overall in the (modern) NHL entry draft, to the International Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, where he will likely share duties with Wendell Young. Remaining on the Isles' roster are John Vanbiesbrouck and Wade Flaherty, although the possiblity exists of them claiming a netminder in Friday's waiver draft.
September 25, 2000: Boston netminder John Grahame broke his ankle while stepping off a curb Saturday, and is out indefinitely. In the meantime, the Bruins will use either veteran Kay Whitmore or prospect Andrew Raycroft as the backup to incumbent Byron Dafoe.
September 25, 2000: Two teams agreed to terms with RFA goaltenders over the weekend, with the Sharks inking Steve Shields, and the Penguins signing Jean-Sebastien Aubin.
September 19, 2000: The Pittsburgh Penguins, who have been having trouble signing #1 goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin, inked free-agent netminder Rich Parent to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Said Pens' GM Craig Patrick: "He is widely renowned as the best goaltender in the IHL over the last four to five years."
September 19, 2000: The San Jose Sharks, whose eight unsigned restricted free agents included their top two goaltenders, inked last season's backup Evgeni Nabokov to a undisclosed contract. Nabokov was called up (from AHL Kentucky) to back up Steve Shields last spring, after Mike Vernon was dealt to the Panthers.
September 16, 2000: Norm Maracle, who reported to training camp out of shape for the second consecutive season, was cut by the Atlanta Thrashers today, and reassigned to IHL Orlando. Maracle could still be claimed in the NHL waiver draft.
September 9, 2000: Sean Burke, whom the Phoenix Coyotes acquired last winter after failing to come to terms with Nikolai Khabibulin, agreed to a one-year contract with the team today.
September 6, 2000: Future Hall-of-Fame goaltender Grant Fuhr announced his retirement today, and accepted a position as goaltending consultant with the Calgary Flames.
August 31, 2000: The Philadelphia Flyers today agreed to terms with restricted free agent goaltender Brian Boucher on a two-year contract (undisclosed terms). This probably ends the Flyers' interest in signing free agent Daren Puppa.
August 31, 2000: Marc Denis, dealt to Columbus prior to the expansion draft, agreed to terms with the Blue Jackets on a multi-year deal today.
August 23, 2000: Restricted free agent goaltender Felix Potvin agreed on a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks today. The Canucks attempted to sign Potvin to a longer deal, but settled on the single year, believed to be worth $2.7 million.
August 15, 2000: The Toronto Maple Leafs agreed to terms with free agent goaltender Glenn Healy today. Terms were not disclosed, but it is expected that Healy signed for less than the $1.3 million that he made last year. Healy, entering his sixteenth NHL season, played in twenty games for Toronto last season, with a 9-10 record and 3.04 goals-against average.
July 17, 2000: The Philadelphia Flyers signed twenty-nine year old Czech goaltender Roman Cechmanek to a one-year, one million dollar contract today. Cechmanek, who was a sixth-round draft choice of the Flyers this past June, will back up Brian Boucher to begin the 2000-01 season.
July 14, 2000: Dwayne Roloson, who had been pushed out of Buffalo by the play of Hasek and Biron, signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Blues today. Roloson, who had been selected by Columbus in the recent expansion draft, played in only fourteen games last season for the Sabres.
July 12, 2000: Rick Tabaracci, who spent the past season mainly in the International Hockey League, signed as a free agent today with the Dallas Stars. The 31-year-old, who will be joining his eighth N.H.L. team, agreed on a two-year deal with the two-time defending Western Conference champions.
July 4, 2000: Ron Tugnutt, the oft-travelled netminder last seen with the Pittsburgh Penguins, today agreed to a four-year, $10 million contract with the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets. Tugnutt will team with youngster Marc Denis to form a solid netminding tandem for the new club.
June 29, 2000: Veteran backup netminder-coach Craig Billington agreed to terms on a three-year contract today with the Washington Capitals. The total worth of the contract is approximately $2.5 million for Billington, who appeared in thirteen games with the Caps this past season.
June 25, 2000: Making yet another goaltending move, the New York Islanders today acquired veteran John Vanbiesbrouck from the Philadelphia Flyers, in exchange for a fourth-round draft choice.
June 24, 2000: Having acquired DiPietro with the top pick, the Islanders traded both of their young prospect goaltenders, sending Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers (with Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha) and sending Kevin Weekes (with Khristian Kudroc and various picks) to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the fifth selection in the draft and other picks.
June 24, 2000: The New York Islanders today selected Boston University goaltender Rick DiPietro first overall in the NHL entry draft. DiPietro is the first netminder to be taken with the top pick since Michel Plasse (1968, Montreal).
June 23, 2000: In another draft-day trade, the Wild sent goalie Mike Vernon back to his hometown Calgary Flames, in exchange for centre Dan Cavanaugh and an eighth-round pick in a future draft. The Wild are left with three young netminders (Fernandez, McLennan, Bierk) to compete for the starting job this fall.
June 23, 2000: The Devils re-acquired goaltender Chris Terreri just after the end of today's expansion draft, receiving the diminuitive netminder (and a ninth-round pick) from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for D Brad Bombardir.
June 23, 2000: Goaltenders selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in today's expansion draft: Rick Tabaracci (Colorado), Frederic Chabot (Montreal), Dwayne Roloson (Buffalo).
June 23, 2000: Goaltenders selected by the Minnesota Wild in today's expansion draft: Jamie McLennan (St. Louis), Mike Vernon (Florida), Chris Terreri (New Jersey), Zac Bierk (Tampa Bay).
June 20, 2000: Check out the goaltenders taken in the various Mock Expansion Drafts.
June 16, 2000: Still more pictures: Richard Brodeur, Frederic Chabot, Peter Ing, Harry Lumley, Gilles Meloche, Chuck Rayner, Gump Worsley and Roy Worters. Thanks once again to Eric Hansen for the disk space, and to the photographers from whom I borrowed these shots.
June 15, 2000: Congratulations to NHL award-winners Olaf Kolzig (Vezina, First Team All-Star), Curtis Joseph (King Clancy), and Roman Turek (Jennings, Second Team All-Star).
June 15, 2000: Three more photos, for Bob Froese, Greg Millen, and Steve Weeks. Special thanks to fellow graduate student, and goaltender, Eric Hansen, who provided the necessary disk space (and more!)
June 13, 2000: I squeezed some more space out of what I have, and there are now photos of Mario Gosselin, Doug Keans, Darren Pang (yes, that Darren Pang), and Richard Sevigny. If anyone has any web space they'd like to donate, please contact me forthwith.
June 13, 2000: Expansion Protection Lists are here!
June 12, 2000: Five days after the Blue Jackets got their goalie, the Minnesota Wild received Manny Fernandez (with D Brad Lukowich) from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a third-round pick this summer and a fourth-round pick in 2002. If the season were to begin today, the Stars - who have traded Ed Belfour's backups in successive off-seasons (Roman Turek) - would have Marty Turco on their opening-day roster.
June 12, 2000: The Stars also signed goaltender Chad Alban to a one-year contract today.
June 10, 2000: The pre-draft maneuvering continues, and another "future star" netminder was dealt today. The Calgary Flames sent Jean-Sebastien Giguere to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in exchange for a second-round selection.
June 7, 2000: The Colorado Avalanche today dealt "goaltender of the future" Marc Denis to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In return, Columbus sent their second-round pick to Colorado. The Avalanche will now almost certainly protect one ( Patrick Roy) in the upcoming expansion draft.
June 4, 2000: The Lightning continued their goaltending purge today, dealing Rich Parent to the Ottawa Senators for a seventh-round selection in the NHL draft June 24. The Lightning still retain four of the six goaltenders that they used last season.
June 2, 2000: The Tampa Bay Lightning, who went through six goaltender last season, traded one of them today, sending Kevin Hodson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a seventh-round selection in this month's draft.
May 22, 2000: There's a new area on the Goaltender Home Page; the "Tip Sheet" will feature reader-submitted tips and suggestions for goaltenders around the world. Stop on by, and post your tips today!
May 19, 2000: Colorado goaltender Patrick Roy, with his 21 save shutout performance against the visting Dallas Stars tonight, has tied the long-standing N.H.L. record of 15 postseason shutouts, held by Hall-of-Famer Clint Benedict. Congratulations to Saint Patrick!
May 5, 2000: Nashville goaltender Mike Dunham injured his right hand in an unusual moving accident. The netminder, moving into a new home, had a box carrying a computer monitor fall on his hand. He has no broken bones, but is wearing a makeshift cast on the hand. Dunham expects to begin conditioning work on schedule Monday.
May 1, 2000: The Chicago Blackhawks today dealt netminder Steve Passmore to the Los Angeles Kings, in exchange for a fourth-round draft choice in either 2000 or 2001. The Blackhawks expected that Passmore would be chosen in this summer's expansion draft, and decided to pre-emptively trade the 27-year-old.
April 24, 2000: Goaltender Bill Ranford, the Edmonton Oilers' all-time leader in games played by a goaltender (449), minutes (25,004), and losses (193), announced his retirement today. The 33-year-old Ranford, who played for five teams over fifteen NHL seasons and was the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1990, will spend more time with his family.
April 20, 2000: The GHP's annual Goaltender Survey is under way! Stop on by...
April 19, 2000: (Shameless Promotions Department) Be sure to stop by Doug's Fine Books, where I review the collection of goaltender books out there. With links to amazon.com's site.
April 10, 2000: Dominik Hasek was today named the Player of the Week for the National Hockey League. Hasek, who led his Buffalo Sabres to the postseason for the fourth consecutive season, posted a 2-1-1 record with a 1.22 GAA and one shutout. He is the fifteenth goaltender to be honoured this season.
April 3, 2000: Arturs Irbe of the Carolina Hurricanes was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week today. For Irbe, who went 3-1-0 with a 1.75 GAA and 93.3% save percentage, this is his fourth career award. Overall, the Player of the Week award has been given fourteen times to goaltenders this season.
April 1, 2000: The Montreal Canadiens today recalled goaltender Eric Fichaud from AHL Quebec. Fichaud, 24, was claimed off waivers from Carolina on February 11, ostensibly so that the Canadiens would not have to expose Jeff Hackett or Jose Theodore in this summer's expansion draft.
March 31, 2000: The Rangers' Mike Richter, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing in the NHL All-Star Game's skills competition nearly two months ago, will undergo surgery Wednesday. With the Rangers almost assured of missing the postseason, veteran Kirk McLean is expected to play the Rangers' final four games of the season.
March 27, 2000: The St. Louis Blues' Roman Turek was named the NHL's Player of the Week today, becoming the twelfth netminder to be so honoured this season. Turek, who has now earned the award twice this season, leads the league in wins, goals-against average and shutouts.
March 14, 2000: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim received goaltending depth today, acquiring Corey Hirsch from the Nashville Predators for future considerations. The Ducks' starter, Guy Hebert, left Saturday's game after being kneed in the head by teammate Paul Kariya.
March 14, 2000: The winningest American-born goaltender in National Hockey League history, Tom Barrasso, was traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Ron Tugnutt and defenseman Janne Laukkanen.
March 14, 2000: Tyler Moss, the young Calgary goaltender who, stymied by a lack of opportunity, requested a trade earlier this month, was sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins this morning (with forward Rene Corbet) in exchange for defenseman Brad Werenka.
March 8, 2000: Ed Belfour, the 34-year-old goaltender for the Dallas Stars, was arrested early this morning and charged with assault and resisting arrest after a scuffle with a security guard at an upscale hotel and restaurant.
March 6, 2000: Washington netminder Olaf Kolzig was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week today. Kolzig went 3-0-1 with a 1.71 GAA and 94.4% save percentage to earn his third career PotW award.
March 4, 2000: Patrick Roy moved into sole possession of second place on the NHL's all-time regular-season victories list tonight, in a 4-1 Colorado victory over visiting Tampa Bay. Roy, with 435, had previously shared second place with Hall-of-Famer Jacques Plante. Roy stands thirteen wins behind overall leader Terry Sawchuk.
February 28, 2000: The San Jose Sharks today recalled goaltender Evgeni Nabokov from a conditioning stint with Kentucky of the AHL. Goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff was returned to Kentucky.
February 28, 2000: For the second consecutive week, a goaltender has been named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Toronto's Curtis Joseph, who was 3-0 last week with a 2.00 GAA and 92.8% save percentage, was honoured today, the tenth netminder to win the award this season.
February 21, 2000: Pittsburgh goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. Aubin was 2-0-1 last week with a 0.65 goals-against average; the highlight was a 37-save shutout of the Vancouver Canucks last Monday.
February 14, 2000: Penguins' goaltender Tom Barrasso has been granted a leave of absence from the team in order to be with his father, who is in Boston, and is suffering from brain cancer. The Penguins did not say when Barrasso would rejoin the team.
February 14, 2000: Goaltender Dominik Hasek, sidelined by a groin injury for much of the season, announced today that he will return for at least one more season. Hasek had previously announced his retirement following this season.
February 14, 2000: The Buffalo Sabres and goaltender Dominik Hasek have scheduled a press conference for 2 p.m. EST this afternoon. The conference, held at Marine Midland Arena, is expected to address rumours that Hasek will either be traded, or renounce his earlier decision to retire following season's end.
February 12, 2000: The St. Louis Blues inked goaltender Jamie McLennan to a two-year contract extension today. Financial terms were not released.
February 11, 2000: 24-year-old Eric Fichaud was claimed on waivers (from Carolina) by the Montreal Canadiens today. Fichaud, once considered the Islanders' goaltender of the future, joins his sixth NHL team. The Hurricanes recalled Mark Fitzpatrick from IHL Cincinnati.
February 9, 2000: Today's transactions: Detroit Red Wings recall Trevor Koenig from ECHL Toledo. Pittsburgh Penguins assign Craig Hillier to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Tampa Bay Lightning recall Rich Parent from IHL Detroit. Vancouver Canucks assign Corey Schwab to IHL Orlando.
February 3, 2000: Calgary netminder Grant Fuhr, in the middle of a rehabilitation stint with the AHL Saint John Flames, felt pain in his surgically-repaired right knee, and removed himself from Wednesday's game against Syracuse. He returned to Calgary today to meet with team doctors.
February 3, 2000: Roman Turek, goaltender for the St. Louis Blues, has been named to the World squad for Sunday's NHL All-Star Game, replacing Dominik Hasek, who is still recovering from a groin injury. This season, the 29-year-old Turek is 26-11-5, with a 2.05 GAA and 90.9% save percentage for the Blues.
February 1, 2000: Washington's Olaf Kolzig, who recorded an 11-1-2 record over the past month, was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month for January. Kolzig maintained a 1.68 goals-against average, and 93.6% save percentage, for the month, and has been in goal for every game of the Capital's current 11-game undefeated streak (10-0-1).
January 27, 2000: Calgary's Grant Fuhr was sent to the American Hockey League's Saint John Flames on a conditioning assignment today. Fuhr is recovering from knee surgery, and will be back with Calgary shortly.
January 24, 2000: The Rangers' Mike Richter was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week. The 33-year-old posted a 1.33 GAA and 95.8% save percentage over three games, going 3-0-0 for the Blueshirts.
January 23, 2000: Twenty-one year old goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier was traded today, with forward Rod Brind'Amour, from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Carolina Hurricanes. Holdout centre Keith Primeau went the other way, and the franchises swapped draft choices.
January 19, 2000: The Phoenix Coyotes today returned goaltender Robert Esche to AHL Springfield.
January 19, 2000: The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned netminder Jean-Sebastien Aubin to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton today.
January 14, 2000: The International Hockey League's Long Beach Ice Dogs today signed restricted free-agent goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a contract.
January 14, 2000: Tampa Bay goaltender Dan Cloutier, who kicked New York Islanders' forward Tim Connolly in the head last night, was suspended by the National Hockey League for four games.
January 14, 2000: The Lightning also recalled newly-acquired goaltender Rich Parent from the IHL Utah Grizzlies.
January 13, 2000: The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired goaltender Rich Parent today, along with defenseman Chris McAlpine, from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Stephane Richer. Parent, who just turned 27 yesterday, is 17-7 for the IHL's Utah Grizzlies.
January 10, 2000: The New Jersey Devils' Martin Brodeur was today named the National Hockey League Player of the Week. Brodeur is the third consecutive (Brathwaite, Vokoun) goaltender to be named Player of the Week.
December 20, 1999: The venerable Grant Fuhr, who says that this will be his last season, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in the next few days, and be sidelined for two to three weeks.
December 20, 1999: Goaltender Rick Tabaracci will made his Colorado Avalanche debut tonight against Carolina.
December 19, 1999: Mere hours before the NHL's Christmas-holiday roster freeze, the New York Islanders traded Felix Potvin (and a draft choice) to the Vancouver Canucks for goaltender Kevin Weekes, right wing Bill Muckalt and centre Dave Scatchard.
December 13, 1999: Florida Panthers goaltender Trevor Kidd will be out a minimum of two months after dislocating his right shoulder in today's skills competition. The 27-year-old Kidd, off to the best start of his career, will be re-evaluated after the swelling goes down. Mikhail Shtalenkov, acquired from Phoenix last month, will start in Kidd's stead, and Richard Shulmistra has been recalled from AHL Louisville.
December 8, 1999: The Atlanta Thrashers sent goaltender Rick Tabaracci to the Colorado Avalanche today, in exchange for forward Shean Donovan. Tabaracci, signed by Atlanta as a free agent in November, was most likely acquired by Colorado in anticipation of next summer's expansion draft.
December 6, 1999: As a result of his vicious slash on Toronto forward Yanic Perreault, Penguins goaltender Tom Barrasso drew a four-game suspension from the National Hockey League today. Pittsburgh has recalled netminder Jean-Sebastien Aubin from Wilkes-Barre-Scranton (AHL) in the interim.
December 1, 1999: Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood is expected miss three weeks with a hairline fracture in his hand. Seventeen-year veteran Ken Wregget will start in his stead, and the Wings announced that they will recall Manny Legace from IHL Manitoba.
November 29, 1999: The Atlanta Thrashers reassigned Rick Tabaracci to Orlando of the International Hockey League.
November 29, 1999: The Boston Bruins loaned John Grahame to Providence of the American Hockey League.
November 29, 1999: The Chicago Blackhawks recalled Steve Passmore from Cleveland of the International Hockey League.
November 29, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers loaned Eric Heffler to Hamilton of the American Hockey League.
November 29, 1999: Montreal goaltender Jose Theodore was today named co-winner of the NHL Player of the Week award. Theodore, who shared the honour with Phoenix forward Jeremy Roenick, posted a 3-0 record and 1.31 goals-against average; the Canadiens' winning streak stands at four games.
November 28, 1999: According to recent tests, new Phoenix goaltender Sean Burke suffered a partially torn tendon in his thumb in a third-period fight Friday. Burke will miss as much as eight weeks of action, leaving the Coyotes with Bob Essensa and Robert Esche in the interim.
November 28, 1999: In his National Hockey League debut, highly-touted goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 43 of 44 shots, leading the New York Islanders to a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins tonight. The fourth overall pick in the 1997 draft, Luongo is considered the Isles' goaltender of the future.
November 27, 1999: Blackhawks goaltender Jocelyn Thibault will be sidelined 2-4 weeks after suffering a broken ring finger on his left hand attempting to catch an Al MacInnis slap shot. Thibault was replaced in the Chicago net by Marc Lamothe, who made his N.H.L. debut.
November 27, 1999: The Atlanta Thrashers placed starting goaltender Damian Rhodes (sprained ankle) on injured reserve, and recalled Rick Tabaracci from the IHL's Orlando Solar Bears.
November 26, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers recalled netminder Eric Heffler from the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs today.
November 25, 1999: Veteran netminder Tom Barrasso, out since October 8 with a sprained knee, is set to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins by this weekend. If and when Barrasso is activated, either Jean-Sebastien Aubin or Peter Skudra would be returned to the minor leagues.
November 24, 1999: With starters Stephane Fiset and Jamie Storr both injured, the Los Angeles Kings today called up Mike O'Neill, on an emergency basis, from the IHL Long Beach Ice Dogs.
November 22, 1999: The New York Islanders today recalled goaltender Roberto Luongo from the AHL's Lowell Lock Monsters.
November 22, 1999: St. Louis Blues netminder Roman Turek was announced as the NHL's Player of the Week for November 15-21. Turek went 2-0-1 with a 0.97 GAA and 95.5% save percentage in three games last week, including a 27-save shutout of the Florida Panthers. Last season, Turek backed up Ed Belfour in Dallas, winning the William Jennings Trophy and, of course, the Stanley Cup.
November 20, 1999: Garth Snow, on the injured reserve for the past seventeen games (broken finger), was activated by the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks also assigned Corey Schwab to the IHL's Orlando Solar Bears.
November 19, 1999: The Phoenix Coyotes and Florida Panthers completed a goaltender swap today, with Mikhail Shtalenkov going to the Panthers, and Sean Burke headed to the Coyotes. The teams also exchanged 2000 draft picks, with Phoenix receiving a fifth-rounder and Florida a fourth-round selection. Since Burke collects $1.1 million more than Shtalenkov this season, the trade probably signals the Phoenix end for holdout netminder Nikolai Khabibulin.
November 19, 1999: The Tampa Bay Lightning today recalled netminder Zac Bierk from the IHL Detroit Vipers.
November 18, 1999: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, a restricted free agent, has officially requested a trade from the Phoenix Coyotes, according to his agent, Jay Grossman. Phoenix GM Bobby Smith, however, remains firm in his stance that the netminder, one of the top in the league, will not be dealt.
November 8, 1999: Buffalo Sabres' goaltender Martin Biron was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday.
November 3, 1999: The Atlanta Thrashers today signed unrestricted free agent goaltender Rick Tabaracci to an undisclosed contract. Tabaracci, 30, spent last season with the Washington Capitals, primarily backing up Olaf Kolzig.
November 3, 1999: According to Bruins' general manager Mike O'Connell, rookie goaltender John Grahame will be returned to Providence (AHL), possibly as soon as Monday.
November 1, 1999: Dominik Hasek, the five-time Vezina-winning goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, is out indefinately with a reaggravation of his groin injury. Hasek was injured Friday night, when Florida's Bret Hedican tied their contest at 2-2 with a 45-foot slapshot; Hasek watched from the bench as the Sabres rallied to win in overtime. In the interim, Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson will man the nets for Buffalo.
October 25, 1999: The Flyers' John Vanbiesbrouck was named the National Hockey League Player of the Week for the past week (October 18-24, 1999). Vanbiesbrouck posted three consecutive shutouts this week, stopping all 76 shots he faced, to earn his fourth PotW award (and the first since October, 1996).
October 23, 1999: Florida Panthers goaltender Trevor Kidd inked a long-term contract today, one which will play him $8.4 million over the next four seasons. The new contract replaces Kidd's current agreement, which would have expired after the present season.
October 22, 1999: Grant Fuhr became the sixth goaltender to reach 400 (regular-season) N.H.L. victories tonight, as his Calgary Flames defeated the Florida Panthers, 3-2 in overtime, tonight in Miami. Fuhr sits sixteen wins behind active leader Patrick Roy, and forty-seven behind all-time leader Terry Sawchuk.
October 19, 1999: According to the Colorado Avalanche, the head injury suffered by netminder Patrick Roy yesterday is not serious, and Roy will not miss his start Wednesday at Montreal. Roy, who fell and hit his head while skating with his sons after practice, was taken to the training room.
October 15, 1999: The Vancouver Canucks announced today that goaltender Garth Snow is out indefinitely with a fractured index finger on his right (blocker) hand. Snow was injured during Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames. The Canucks have called up goaltender Alfie Michaud from Syracuse (AHL).
October 13, 1999: The Detroit Red Wings acquired goaltender Legace off waivers from Vancouver. Legace, signed as a free agent July 15 by Detroit, was taken by the Canucks two weeks prior.
October 4, 1999: Goaltender Trivia begins its sixth season today! Stop on by!
September 29, 1999: Boston Bruins' restricted free-agent netminder Byron Dafoe has officially asked for a trade. Dafoe, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season, turned down a one-year, $2 million, contract offered by the Bruins Wednesday.
September 27, 1999: Restricted free agent goaltender Mike Dunham agreed on a contract with the Nashville Predators today; terms were not disclosed. The 27-year-old posted career highs in games played (44), wins (16) and minutes (2472), also recording the first victory in Nashville history.
September 24, 1999: Goaltenders made available for Monday's N.H.L. waiver draft: Ryan Bach (FLO), Mike Bales (DAL), Stephane Beauregard (WSH), Martin Brochu (WSH), Mike Buzak (NJ), Frederic Cassivi (COL), Frederic Chabot (MON), Bob Essensa (PHO), Mark Fitzpatrick (CAR), Mike Fountain (OTT), Igor Karpenko (CGY), Tim Keyes (VAN), Jean-Francois Labbe (NYR), Marc Lamothe (CHI), Scott Langkow (ATL), Neil Little (PHI), Mike O'Neill (LA), Corey Schwab (ATL), Rich Shulmistra (FLO), Andrei Trefilov (CGY), Jim Waite (TOR), Kay Whitmore (BOS).
September 23, 1999: The Seattle Times has an article today on the Seattle Thunderbirds' goaltending situation. Cory Rudkowsky is gone (to the Blues), and the duties fall to Ray Fraser and Thomas Vicars.
September 13, 1999: Take a look at the article in CNN/SI Online concerning the battle for the Flyers' goaltending spot. Incumbent John Vanbiesbrouck is apparently being pushed hard by Brian Boucher.
September 7, 1999: Bob Mason, the United States' goaltender in the 1984 Olympic Games, has been hired as the Atlanta Thrashers' goaltending consultant, replacing Andy Moog. Mason played eight seasons in the National Hockey League.
September 6, 1999: Goaltender Ron Hextall, the Philadelphia Flyers' all-time leader in victories (240), will announce his retirement from professional hockey today. Hextall, the first goaltender to shoot and score a goal in NHL history, is also the only goaltender to have done this twice.
September 5, 1999: The Phoenix Coyotes signed goaltender Bob Essensa today to a one-year deal. The 34-year-old returns to his original NHL organization, having played his first six seasons in Winnipeg.
September 4, 1999: Grant Fuhr, surely headed to the Hall of Fame when his career is over, is now headed to the Calgary Flames, who acquired the (soon to be) 37-year-old netminder for a third-round draft pick in 2000. Fuhr, who has won five Stanley Cups, all with the Edmonton Oilers, is sixth on the all-time win list with 398.
September 1, 1999: Goaltender Jocelyn Thibault agreed to a multi-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks today. Thibault, who regained his form after being traded from the Montreal Canadiens last fall, is only the fifth goaltender ( Roy, Brodeur, Barrasso, Fuhr ) to record his 100th N.H.L. victory before the age of 25.
August 25, 1999: Three-time Stanley Cup champion Andy Moog has been hired as a goaltending consultant with the Vancouver Canucks. Moog, who played in 713 NHL games over eighteen seasons, served as the Atlanta Thrashers' goaltending consultant last season.
August 25, 1999: The Toronto Maple Leafs have offered journeyman goaltender Jason Muzzatti a tryout with the team. Muzzatti, who is still recovering from surgery to repair a defective valve in his heart, will join the team at training camp September 5, and is without a contract.
August 19, 1999: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Jim Waite today, amidst reports that the club is about to trade backup goaltender Glenn Healy to the New York Rangers. Waite, 30, went 6-5-4 with a 2.74 goals-against average in sixteen games for the Phoenix Coyotes last season.
August 18, 1999: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek, who plans to retire following the 1999-2000 N.H.L. season, underwent minor hernia surgery today but should be ready to play by the start of training camp.
August 10, 1999: Corey Hirsch agreed on a contract with the Nashville Predators today; terms were not disclosed. The 27-year-old went 3-8-3, with a 3.13 GAA and one shutout, in twenty games for the Vancouver Canucks last season.
August 9, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers' Tommy Salo was awarded a one-year, $1.6 million contract by an independent arbitrator today. The Oilers had submitted a qualifying offer to Salo, while the goaltender was seeking $2.495 million.
August 9, 1999: Frederic Chabot inked a two-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens today. Chabot played in 11 games last season for the Habs, recording a 2.23 GAA.
August 7, 1999: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free agent netminder Mark Fitzpatrick to a contract today. Terms were not disclosed. Fitzpatrick, 30, played in 27 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, with a 6-8-6 record and 2.64 goals-against average.
August 6, 1999: Eleven-year NHL veteran Jeff Reese announced his retirement today, hours after the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Reese, who appeared in 174 NHL contests with a 53-65-17 record and 3.86 GAA over the course of his career, will remain with the Lightning as a goaltending consultant.
August 6, 1999: The Atlanta Thrashers today agreed to terms on a new contract with Corey Schwab. Terms were not disclosed. Schwab is one of three goaltenders (Norm Maracle, Scott Langkow) who will compete for the chance to back up Damian Rhodes in Atlanta.
August 5, 1999: Los Angeles Kings' netminder Stephane Fiset won his arbiration case today, and was awarded a one-year contract for $2.1 million.
August 6, 1999: Check out the article in the Ottawa Sun concerning Grant Fuhr's golf game.
August 4, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers inked goaltender Bill Ranford to a one-year contract today. Ranford, who led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup in 1990, begins his second tour of duty with the club.
August 3, 1999: Garth Snow, one of ten restricted free agents on the Vancouver Canucks roster, agreed to a one-year contract with the club today. The contract calls for $1.4 million (US), with an option (for 2000-2001) at $2.4 million (US).
August 2, 1999: The New York Islanders signed goaltender Felix Potvin to a one year, $2.7 million contract today. Traded to the Islanders after a prolonged holdout, Potvin went 2-7-1 with a 3.66 goals against average while being hindered by a groin injury.
August 2, 1999: Fred Brathwaite agreed to a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames today. Terms were not disclosed, but Brathwaite is expected to earn $550,000. Brathwaite stepped in to rescue an injury-riddled Flames squad last year, nearly driving them to the postseason.
July 29, 1999: Star netminder Dominik Hasek announced his retirement, effective following the 1999-2000 N.H.L. season, at a news conference this morning in Prague. Hasek, 34, wants his children to grow up in the Czech Republic, and also wants to retire at the peak of his career. The winner of five of the past six Vezina Trophies, Hasek led his Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup Final this past spring.
July 28, 1999: Star netminder Dominik Hasek has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow morning, and ESPN is reporting that Hasek will announce his retirement from the National Hockey League, effective following the 1999-2000 season. Hasek, 34, has won five of the past six Vezina Trophies, and led the Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup final this past spring.
July 27, 1999: According to the Toronto Sun, goaltender Jeff Reese and the Toronto Maple Leafs are having disagreements as to where the veteran netminder should be assigned for the 1999-2000 season. Reese, who has family in nearby London, would prefer to remain with the parent organization. However, with incumbant Curtis Joseph playing 70 games per season, general manager Pat Quinn can ill afford to keep three goaltenders with the Leafs, and Glenn Healy is being paid a considerable amount. Reese, 33, may consider retirement.
July 22, 1999: According to a published report in the Edmonton Sun, the Edmonton Oilers are highly interested in free-agent goaltender Bill Ranford. The 32-year-old, who played parts of nine seasons for the Oilers from 1988 to 1996, is interested in returning, but money remains an issue. Other options for the club include are Corey Hirsch, Frederic Chabot and Rick Tabaracci.
July 16, 1999: The Washington Capitals today acquired goaltender Craig Billington from the Colorado Avalanche for future considerations. Billington, 32, played 21 games for the Avalanche last season, with a record of 11-8-1 and a 2.87 GAA.
July 13, 1999: According to the Toronto Sun, goaltender Kirk McLean has signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract with the New York Rangers. McLean, 33, was 9-10-4 with a 2.74 GAA in 30 games for the Florida Panthers last season.
July 12, 1999: Rob Tallas and the Boston Bruins agreed on a one-year, $685,000, contract today. The 26-year-old netminder played in seventeen contests last season.
July 9, 1999: Ken Wregget signed a free-agent contract with the Detroit Red Wings today, reportedly worth $850,000 per season for two seasons with a team option. The 35-year-old now joins his fifth NHL team, where he will back up Chris Osgood.
July 9, 1999: The Chicago Blackhawks have inked free agent goaltender Steve Passmore to a multi-year contract. The 26-year-old has played in six N.H.L. contests over his career, with a 1-4-1 record.
July 2, 1999: The Vancouver Canucks waived netminder Corey Hirsch today.
July 1, 1999: San Jose goaltender Mike Vernon exercised the option year in his contract today, ending speculation that the 36-year old would become a free agent.
July 1, 1999: Heading the list of unrestricted free agent goaltenders made available today by the National Hockey League are Ken Wregget and Kirk McLean. However, a report out of San Jose says that the Sharks' Mike Vernon has a contract option allowing him to declare free agency.
July 1, 1999: The Philadelphia Flyers waived goaltender Ron Hextall today, making room for 22-year-old Brian Boucher to step in as John Vanbiesbrouck next season. Hextall, 35, is the Flyers' all-time winningest goaltender (240 wins).
June 7, 1999: Goaltenders Dominik Hasek and Curtis Joseph were named finalists for the 1999 Lester Pearson award, given to the N.H.L.'s most valuable player as voted upon by the players. Other finalists are Jaromir Jagr, Teemu Selanne and Alexei Yashin.
June 3, 1999: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to a contract extension with goaltender Jeff Hackett today, extending his current contract by an additional three years. The value of the contract was not specified, but Hackett's agent, Rick Curren, termed it "Guy Hebert money." ($4 million/year).
June 1, 1999: The Buffalo Sabres advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1975, with a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dominik Hasek notched twenty saves to earn the victory.
May 28, 1999: Dominik Hasek returned to the Buffalo Sabres last night, leading the team to a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Three of their Eastern Conference Final series.
May 27, 1999: Goaltender Dominik Hasek has been given clearance to play in the Buffalo Sabres' Eastern Conference Final matchup tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hasek is expected to make his own game-time decision as to whether he is fit to play.
May 24, 1999: Be sure to check out the Dallas Morning News' list of the Top Ten Goaltending Moments in Stanley Cup history. Topping the list: the 1993 performance of Montreal's Patrick Roy, who posted ten straight overtime victories in leading the Canadiens to the Cup.
May 23, 1999: Dominik Hasek, the superstar goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, was forced to miss today's Eastern Conference Final contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a damaged groin, and his status for Game Two is uncertain. Backup Dwayne Roloson performed admirably for the Sabres in a 5-4 victory.
May 19, 1999: Bernie Parent, who was in goal for the 1965 Memorial Cup champion Niagara Falls Flyers, was named to the Canadian Hockey League All-Time All-Star Team today.
May 18, 1999: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek says that he will start tonight in Game Six of their semifinal series against the Boston Bruins, despite a groin injury that sidelined him for twelve regular-season games and hindered him in Game Five.
May 11, 1999: It is now being reported that Detroit general manager Ken Holland has chosen Bill Ranford to start Game Three of their Western Conference semifinal series tonight against Colorado, and possibly Game Four on Thursday. Incumbent starter Chris Osgood has missed the entire series with a sprained knee, but Ranford has excelled in relief, stopping 65 of 67 Avalanche shots as the Red Wings have taken a 2-0 series lead.
May 10, 1999: Michigan goaltender Marty Turco was named the International Hockey League's rookie of the year today. Turco, the sixth netminder to win the award, went 24-17-10 with a 2.61 goals-against average for the K-Wings.
May 7, 1999: According to a report on Denver's KKFN-AM, Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood is definately out for tonight's Game One against the Colorado Avalanche. Bill Ranford will start in net for the Red Wings.
May 5, 1999: Los Angeles Kings' netminder Stephane Fiset had surgery Monday to repair a tear in his left abdominal wall. He will be in rehabilitation for three weeks and is expected to have a full recovery.
May 5, 1999: When the Detroit Red Wings open their series against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, they may be without goaltender Chris Osgood, who was diagnosed with a sore knee following the team's four-game sweep of Anaheim. Osgood has not practiced since the game and is questionable for tonight. If necessary, former Conn Smythe winner Bill Ranford will be in the Red Wing net for Game One.
April 30, 1999: New York Rangers' backup goaltender Dan Cloutier will undergo a minor procedure today to remove scar tissue from his groin area. The procedure will be performed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and Cloutier is expected to be healthy when training camp opens.
April 28, 1999: The GHP Guestbook, which has had some troubles recently, is now working fine. If your entry disappeared (most did, unfortunately), please re-sign...if you haven't signed yet, now's your chance!
March 26, 1999: 22-year-old Zac Bierk, considered the Tampa Bay goaltender of the future, now is in jeapordy of losing his career, after being diagnosed with Meniere's disease. The disease, which appears as a lesion on the inner ear, produces vertigo-like symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea and headaches.
March 25, 1999: 20-year-old Cory Rudkowsky, the 1998-99 Western Hockey League Player of the Year (and Goaltender Home Page favourite), was signed to a contract by the St. Louis Blues today. Terms were not disclosed. Rudkowsky went 34-17-10 for the Seattle Thunderbirds this season, with a 2.90 goals-against average and a league-leading seven shutouts.
March 25, 1999: Two-time Hart Trophy winner Dominik Hasek flew to Munich, Germany today to see a specialist about the groin injury, suffered on February 17, that kept him out of twelve games. The problem is unrelated to the back injury that forced Hasek to miss Buffalo's 2-1 loss to Detroit Wednesday.
March 23, 1999: Detroit goaltender Kevin Hodson was dealt today (with a second-round draft choice), to the Tampa Bay Lightning, in exchange for forward Wendel Clark and a sixth-round draft choice.
March 23, 1999: In a seperate deal involving Detroit and Tampa Bay, the Lightning sent goaltender Bill Ranford to the Red Wings for a conditional draft choice.
March 20, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers today acquired goaltender Tommy Salo from the New York Islanders in exchange for centre Mats Lindgren and an eighth-round draft choice. The 28 year old Salo, frustrated by the Islanders' goaltending glut, will now team with Bob Essensa as the Oilers fight for a postseason berth.
March 15, 1999: San Jose goaltender Steve Shields was today named National Hockey League Player of the Week for the week of March 8-14, 1999. Shields went 3-0-0, with his second career shutout, in relief of Mike Vernon, who is recovering from a groin injury.
March 11, 1999: The Edmonton Oilers today traded G Mikhail Shtalenkov to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice in 2000. Shtalenkov had demanded a trade after falling behind Bob Essensa and Steve Passmore on the Edmonton depth chart.
March 11, 1999: Phoenix goaltender Jim Waite cleared waivers today and was assigned to the IHL Utah Grizzlies today.
March 8, 1999: Goaltender Ron Tugnutt , who sprained his right knee with four minutes remaining in Ottawa's 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, is currently day-to-day. Damian Rhodes will start for the Sens, who have also called up Frederic Cassivi.
March 5, 1999: Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin will be sidelined day-to-day with a minor groin strain, suffered earlier in the week. He practiced with Phoenix today, but will be held out at least for tonight's game against Detroit.
March 5, 1999: The St. Louis Blues assigned G Brent Johnson to the American Hockey League's Worcester Ice Cats.
March 4, 1999: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tom Barrasso may be done for the rest of the regular season after suffering a broken hand from a Shayne Corson shot Wednesday. Peter Skudra will start for the Pens, with Jean-Sebastien Aubin backing up.
March 4, 1999: The Phoenix Coyotes today recalled G Jim Waite from Springfield of the American Hockey League.
March 4, 1999: The Lake Charles Ice Pirates (WPHL) waived G Derek Eichele.
February 8, 1999: St. Louis goaltender Grant Fuhr underwent surgery to repair meniscus damage in his knee this morning at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Fuhr, who plans to retire at the end of the 1999-2000 N.H.L. season, will be replaced by Jamie McLennan and Rich Parent.
February 7, 1999: Today, Patrick Roy and the Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars, 3-0, for Roy's 500th National Hockey League victory, including postseason. Roy stands behind only Jacques Plante (504) and Terry Sawchuk (501) on this list, and seems likely to pass both soon.
February 5, 1999: Congratulations to Colorado netminder Patrick Roy, who helped defeat the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, earning him his 400th N.H.L. victory. Only Terry Sawchuk (447), Jacques Plante (434), Tony Esposito (423) and Glenn Hall (407) have achieved this milestone. Roy (33 years, 4 months) is also the youngest to hit the 400 mark.
February 4, 1999: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim have agreed to a three-year, $12 million, contract extension with goaltender Guy Hebert. The thirty-two year old is the only member left from the 1993 expansion draft, and is 16-18-7 with a 2.31 goals-against average this season. His 92.6% save percentage is fourth in the league, and his five shutouts are a career best.
February 1, 1999: Avalanche netminder Patrick Roy was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month for January, 1999. Roy is the second consecutive netminder to win the award, following Buffalo's Dominik Hasek (December 1998).
January 25, 1999: Patrick Roy, who backstopped the Colorado Avalanche to the 1996 Stanley Cup, signed a two-year contract extension with the club today. Terms were not disclosed. Without an extension Roy, who has 393 career N.H.L. victories, would have been an unrestricted free agent after this season.
January 9, 1999: Felix Potvin, the disgruntled goaltender who left the Toronto Maple Leafs December 2 awaiting a trade, was finally dealt today. Toronto sent Potvin to the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Bryan Berard. The teams also swapped 1999 sixth-round picks in the NHL entry draft.
January 4, 1999: According to a story in the Denver Post, Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy was more than upset that, despite playing mearly the entire contest in a December 21 victory at Anaheim, he did not receive the win. According to sources, Roy "stormed into the coaches' room after the game and smashed two televisions and a VCR with his stick, and screamed profanity at [Avalanche coach Bob] Hartley." Roy had been replaced by Craig Billington in order to rest the Avs' tired power-play unit, and the Avs scored the game-winning goal while Billington was in net.
December 7, 1998: The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled G Glenn Healy from Chicago of the IHL today, to replace G Felix Potvin. Potvin, saying that he would never play again for Toronto, left the team Wednesday and returned to his Quebec home. Rumours indicate that Potvin could be headed to Tampa Bay in exchange for RW Mikael Renberg.
December 7, 1998: The National Hockey League today awarded G Dominik Hasek the Player of the Week award, the fourth of his career, for the period from November 30 to December 6. Hasek was 3-0-0, with a 0.67 GAA and 97.9% save percentage, recording his fourth shutout of the season over the Flyers.
November 16, 1998: In a swap of goaltenders, the Chicago Blackhawks today traded Jeff Hackett (along with Eric Weinrich, Alain Nasreddine and future considerations) to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Jocelyn Thibault (along with Dave Manson and Brad Brown).
November 12, 1998: Jack Gelineau, a 1950's goaltender with Chicago and Boston, and the winner of the 1950 Calder Trophy, died Thursday after a battle with cancer. A member of the McGill University Sports Hall of Fame, Gelineau was 74.
November 11, 1998: Hall-of-Fame goaltender Frank Brimsek died today at the age of 83. Dubbed "Mr. Zero", after shutting out six opponents in his first eight games, Brimsek was one of the first American-born stars to flourish in the National Hockey League. Brimsek recorded forty-two career shutouts with the Bruins and Blackhawks.
November 9, 1998: The Washington Capitals and netminder Olaf Kolzig agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract today. The deal takes effect immediately, replacing one that would have expired at season's end.
November 7, 1998: Venerable St. Louis goaltender Grant Fuhr will miss six to eight weeks with a strained groin, suffered in the first period of today's 2-2 tie with the San Jose Sharks. Jamie McLennan, the Blues' backup, also suffered an injury Saturday, to his hand, and is day-to-day. St. Louis has recalled Rich Parent and Brent Johnson from the AHL Worcester IceCats.
November 2, 1998: Carolina's Arturs Irbe was today named the National Hockey League's Player of the Month for October, 1998. Irbe went 4-1-2 with a 0.75 goals-against average and two shutouts. This is Irbe's first PotM award of his career. Irbe was also named NHL Player of the Week for last week (10/26-11/1).
October 22, 1998: The Los Angeles Kings acquired goaltender Ryan Bach from Detroit today, in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2000 draft. The Kings suffered injuries to both Stephane Fiset and Jamie Storr last Sunday.
October 1, 1998: The Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators swapped goaltenders today, with youngster Eric Fichaud heading south in return for veteran Mikhail Shtalenkov.
September 20, 1998: Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Jim Waite suffered a groin injury in the team's 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, and is expected to be out for about one week.
September 13, 1998: Hall of Fame goaltender Harry Lumley died today, in London, Ontario, a week after suffering a heart attack in his hometown of Owen Sound. Lumley's sixteen-year career was highlighted by 71 shutouts, three All-Star appearances, and a Stanley Cup with the 1950 Detroit Red Wings. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.
September 12, 1998: The Vancouver Canucks came to terms with free-agent netminder Garth Snow today; terms were not disclosed. Snow went 17-15-4 last season, splitting time between Philadelphia and Vancouver.
September 12, 1998: Goaltender Ryan Bach agreed to terms with the Detroit Red Wings today, signing a one-year deal. Bach, 24, played for the IHL's Houston Aeros last season, going 26-9-6 with a 2.32 goals-against average.
September 11, 1998: The Florida Panthers signed free-agent goaltender Sean Burke to an undisclosed deal, although the Miami Herald is reporting it to be for two years and $4.3 million.
September 11, 1998: According to a report from the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, the Florida Panthers are near to a deal with free agent netminder Sean Burke. Burke spent the past year with three teams (Carolina, Vancouver, Philadelphia), going 16-23-9 with a 2.95 goals-against average.
September 11, 1998: Scott Langkow agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes today.
September 10, 1998: Arturs Irbe agreed to a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes today. Irbe, 30, played last season with the Vancouver Canucks, going 14-11-6 with a 2.73 goals-against average for the last-place team.
September 9, 1998: The Stars signed goaltender Marty Turco today to a two-year contract. Turco, who just finished his career at the University of Michigan, is the NCAA's all-time victory leader (127), and led the Wolverines to NCAA titles in both 1996 and 1998.
September 8, 1998: Eric Fichaud, last of the New York Islanders, agreed to a two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers today. The Oilers had acquired Fichaud from the Isles prior to June's expansion draft.
August 25, 1998: Chris Terreri returned to his first team, the New Jersey Devils, today. The 33-year-old was acquired from Chicago in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick.
August 25, 1998: Jim Waite signed with the Phoenix Coyotes today; financial terms were not disclosed. Waite will begin the year backing up incumbent Nikolai Khabibulin.
August 24, 1998: Sabres' goaltender Dominik Hasek was involved in a car accident late Monday evening, but suffered no injuries. Hasek was driving his Ferrari near his hometown of Paradubice when he lost control of his vehicle. According to local police, the accident was caused by a sharp turn in the road, and that alcohol was not involved.
August 24, 1998: Goaltender Roman Turek signed a one-year contract to return to the Dallas Stars today. Terms were undisclosed. The 28-year old played in twenty-three contests last season, posting an 11-10-1 record for the Stars.
August 18, 1998: Ron Tugnutt, goaltender for the Ottawa Senators, is currently recovering from a single-boat accident that left him with three fractures on two ribs. Tugnutt may not be ready for the beginning of training camp in September.
August 17, 1998: Rob Tallas, goaltender for the Boston Bruins, was awarded a one-year, $625,000 contract, by an independent arbitrator today.
August 17, 1998: Goaltender Bob Essensa signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers today. The club has an option for a second season. Essensa, 33, will be competing with Eric Fichaud, acquired from the New York Islanders this summer, for the starting job in Edmonton.
August 12, 1998: The Tampa Bay Lightning resigned goaltender Corey Schwab today; terms of the deal were undisclosed. Schwab played sixteen games for the Lightning last season, with a 2-9-1 record and 2.92 GAA.
August 7, 1998: Goaltender Allan Bester announced his retirement from the IHL Orlando Solar Bears Friday. Over the course of ten NHL seasons, Bester was 73-99-17 with a 4.01 goals-against average. Bester also led the Solar Bears to the Turner Cup Final in 1996.
August 7, 1998: Rick Tabaracci was sent from Calgary to Washington today, in exchange for a draft pick and future considerations. Tabaracci is expected to backup incumbent Olag Kolzig in the Capitals' net.
August 5, 1998: In order to avoid waiver draft exposure, Detroit GM Ken Holland is looking to move either Kevin Hodson or Norm Maracle before then, and would prefer to have a deal done by the beginning of training camp.
August 4, 1998: The National Hockey League approved rules restricting goaltender equipment today, defining maximum with of chest protectors, and breezers, with limitations on catching gloves to be phased over the course of next season.
July 30, 1998: Ending a fifteen-year career with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, goaltender Kelly Hrudey retired from professional hockey today. Hrudey finished his stellar career with 271 regular-season victories, 24th all-time.
July 30, 1998: Dominik Hasek, the superstar goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, has officially announced a charity game in Prague, Czechoslovakia, on August 6, with proceeds benefitting children's hopsitals of the Czech Republic.
July 29, 1998: According to a report by the Boston Herald, Bruins' netminder Byron Dafoe, who underwent shoulder surgery in June, will be able to report to training camp on time.
July 28, 1998: Goaltender Bob Essensa, currently a Group III free agent, is being seriously considered by the Phoenix Coyotes for the role of Nikolai Khabibulin's backup. Chris Terreri, currently with Chicago, is also being considered.
July 17, 1998: The Tampa Bay Lightning traded goaltender Mark Fitzpatrick to the Chicago Blackhawks Friday in exchange for defenseman Michal Sykora.
July 16, 1998: Bruins' goaltender Rob Tallas has elected for salary arbitration. Hearings will take place in the first two weeks of August.
July 16, 1998: The Philadelphia Flyers and goaltender Ron Hextall have agreed to a one-year extension that will keep the team's all-time leader in playoff victories (45) a Flyer until 2000.
July 16, 1998: Mike Buzak signed a multi-year contract with the New Jersey Devils today.
July 15, 1998: Free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph signed today with the Toronto Maple Leafs, inking a four-year, $24 million deal that will make him the second-highest paid goaltender in the league (behind two-time reigning MVP Dominik Hasek. Where does this leave Felix Potvin? Montreal, Vancouver, and Florida are all interested.
July 15, 1998: In yet another turn of events, Mike Richter has agreed to a four-year, $21.8 million contract with the New York Rangers.
July 14, 1998: The New York Islanders have signed free agent Marcel Cousineau. Terms were undisclosed.
July 15, 1998: The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced a 1 p.m. Wednesday press conference, apparently to announce the signing of Curtis Joseph to a four-year, $24 million contract. The signing is contingent on the imminent trade of Felix Potvin, who has been rumoured as going to Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, or Florida.
July 13, 1998: Steve Shields agreed to a contract with the San Jose Sharks today. Terms were undisclosed.
July 13, 1998: Free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph is reportedly close to a deal with the New York Rangers, reportedly in the neighbourhood of four years and $22 million. Where this leaves Mike Richter is unknown, but Richter reportedly rejected a Rangers' offer (three years, $15 million) last week.
July 9, 1998: Dwayne Roloson has signed a multi-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
July 8, 1998: The Dallas Stars signed goaltender Mike Bales to a two-year contract today. Terms were undisclosed.
July 8, 1998: Rumours of a Felix Potvin to the Edmonton Oilers trade are rampant. Apparently, the Oilers are unwilling to part with LW Ryan Smyth, but have offered (in several combinations) D Janne Niinimaa, D Boris Mironov, and C Boyd Deveraux. Why would the Leafs trade Potvin? So that they could sign unrestricted free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph, of course.
July 8, 1998: Recently-retired Andy Moog will become the primary owner of the Western Professional Hockey League's Fort Worth Brahmas, according to the Dallas Morning News. Before the league took control of the Brahmas last season, Moog was a minority investor.
July 7, 1998: Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, 34, signed a two-year (with an option for a third) contract today with the Philadelphia Flyers. ESPN is reporting that the first two years are worth $8.5 million, and that the Flyers can buy out the final year of the contract for $1 million.
July 3, 1998: Goaltender Craig Billington agreed today to a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Terms were undisclosed.
June 27, 1998: Goaltenders selected in the first two rounds of the NHL entry draft Saturday: Patrick DesRochers (Phoenix, 14th overall), Mathieu Chouinard (Ottawa, 15th overall), Philippe Sauve (Colorado, 38th overall), Jomar Cruz (Washington, 49th overall).
June 26, 1998: Goaltenders selected in the expansion draft by the Nashville Predators: Mike Richter, Mike Dunham, Mikhail Shtalenkov, Frederic Chabot, and Tomas Vokoun.
June 22, 1998: Eighteen-year veteran Andy Moog announced his retirement today, ending a spectacular career highlighted by 372 victories, three Stanley Cups, and four All-Star teams. The 38-year old Moog decided to pass on the final year of the two-year contract he signed last year with Montreal.
June 22, 1998: According to a report from the Newark Star-Ledger, Mike Richter will be left unprotected in Friday's expansion draft. Nashville is expected to draft Richter, an unrestricted free agent, but not sign him, thereby receiving a compensatory pick in the NHL entry draft. The Rangers would then protect young Dan Cloutier, and since they would "lose" a goaltender in this year's expansion draft, they would not lose one next season, when the Atlanta Thrashers enter the league.
June 19, 1998: Steve Shields (and Buffalo's fourth-round selection in the 1998 N.H.L. draft) has been traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Kay Whitmore (and San Jose's second-round selection in the 1998 N.H.L. entry draft). Buffalo will also receive future considerations from the Sharks.
June 18, 1998: The Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Eric Fichaud from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Mike Watt.
June 18, 1998: Goaltender Byron Dafoe had surgery on his left shoulder today, and should be ready for training camp in September.
June 18, 1998: Goaltender Bill Ranford was dealt from the Washington Capitals to the Tampa Bay Lightning today. In return, the Caps received Tampa's third-round selection in the upcoming entry draft, and Tampa's second-round selection in the 1999 N.H.L. entry draft.
June 17, 1998: The Pittsburgh Penguins today traded goaltender Ken Wregget (with LW Dave Roche) to the Calgary Flames in exchange for LW German Titov and LW Todd Hlushko.
June 11, 1998: Goaltender Mike Richter and his representatives have scheduled a Monday-morning (June 15) meeting with New York Rangers general manager Neil Smith and Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts, to discuss the possibilities of resigning the free-agent-to-be netminder. Richter's side wants $35 million over five years, while the Ragners have offered two-, three-, and four-year deals at $5 million per year. Richter also desires a no-trade clause.
June 9, 1998: Dallas netminder Ed Belfour underwent arthroscopic surgery today to remove bone spurs from his right shoulder and right ankle. The procedure was performed by Stars orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Cooper, and Belfour is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
June 3, 1998: It now appears almost certain that Mike Richter's days as a New York Ranger are over. Richter reportedly wants something in the range of $35 million over five years, with a no-trade clause, and the Rangers, who are also seeking a playmaking centre (Ron Francis, Doug Gilmour), are reportedly not planning on meeting the goaltender's request.
May 20, 1998: St. Louis goaltender Jamie McLennan has been named as one of the three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who exhibits a high degree of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The winner will be announced June 25.
May 19, 1998: Congratulations to Buffalo's Dominik Hasek, who captured his second consecutive Player of the Year award, as given by The Sporting News. Hasek was also named goalie on the magazine's 1997-98 All-Star team.
April 8, 1998: Anaheim goaltender Guy Hebert wil undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder April 9, ending his season. Hebert was injured in the second period of a 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes March 8. Hebert is the sole surviving member of the inaugural Mighty Ducks team.
March 27, 1998: Buffalo goaltender Dominik Hasek blanked the Edmonton Oilers 1-0 Friday night, earning his 12th shutout of the season. The last goaltender to post twelve shutouts in a season is Hall-of-Famer Bernie Parent, who did it in back to back seasons (1973-74, 1974-75). The modern-day record is held by another Hall-of-Famer, Tony Esposito, who recorded fifteen shutouts for the 1969-70 Chicago Blackhawks.
March 24, 1998: The Carolina Hurricanes today send goaltender Kirk McLean to the Florida Panthers in exchange for RW Ray Sheppard. The Panthers are McLean's third team this season. Many insiders take this as an indication that Florida will not be pursuing G John Vanbiesbrouck in the off-season.
March 24, 1998: Goaltender Patrick Lalime was traded from Pittsburgh to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim today in exchange for C Sean Pronger.
March 24, 1998: Goaltender Jason Muzzatti was sent from the New York Rangers to San Jose today, in exchange for D Rich Brennan.
March 23, 1998: Washington goaltender Olaf Kolzig was named Player of the Week for the week of March 16-22. Kolzig recorded two consecutive shutouts, and posted an overall 98.9 save percentage. He is the third consecutive goaltender to capture the award.
March 21, 1998: Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was placed on injured reserve today due to a groin injury. Osgood suffered the injury during pregame warmups on March 17.
March 19, 1998: Domink Hasek agreed with the Buffalo Sabres today on a three-year, twenty-six million dollar contract, making him the highest-paid goaltender in the history of the N.H.L.
March 19, 1998: Vancouver's Garth Snow was placed on injured reserve today with a hip flexor strain. Corey Hirsch was recalled from Syracuse to replace Snow.
March 18, 1998: The St. Louis Blues signed goaltenders Grant Fuhr and Jamie McLennan today. Terms were undisclosed.
March 16, 1998: Toronto's Felix Potvin was named the National Hockey League's Player of the Week today.
March 4, 1998: Today is my father's birthday, and I just wanted to thank him for all the help he's given me over the years. I love you, Dad - the card is on its way :-)
September 28, 1997: The fourth season of Goaltender Trivia begins TOMORROW! E-mail me to inquire, or to be added to the weekly trivia mailing list.
August 29, 1997:The Los Angeles Kings have sent G Bryon Dafoe, along with LW Dimitri Khristich, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for C Jozef Stumpel, RW Sandy Moger, and a fourth-round draft choice.
August 25, 1997: The Calgary Flames have sent G Trevor Kidd and LW Gary Roberts to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for G Jean-Sebastien Giguere and C Andrew Cassels.
June 21, 1997: With the fourth selection in this year's N.H.L. entry draft, the New York Islanders have selected goaltender Roberto Luongo, the highest selection since the modern draft began in 1969. Luongo had captured the Mike Bossy Trophy, awarded to the QMJHL's top professional prospect, and has been compared to Patrick Roy, Felix Potvin, and Martin Brodeur.
June 21, 1997: Rick Tabaracci was sent from Tampa Bay back to the Calgary Flames on June 21st, in exchange for a 1998 fourth-round draft choice.
June 19, 1997: Congratulations to Buffalo's Dominik Hasek, the 1997 winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy, the annual award given "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." Hasek is the first goaltender to capture the Hart since Jacques Plante did it in 1962, and only the fifth goaltender to win the trophy in its history. Hasek also was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Trophy, the most valuable player as selected by his peers, and the Vezina Trophy, given "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position." Congrats also to Detroit's Mike Vernon, who earlier captured the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur and Mike Dunham, who shared the William Jennings Trophy, given to the goaltender(s) yielding the fewest number of regular-season goals.