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