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Maple Leafs coach Punch Imlach, on JOHNNY BOWER, goaltender, Toronto:

"He's the greatest athlete in the world."

(Hal Bock: "Save! Hockey's Brave Goalies", 1974)

ESPN Hockey Analyst Barry Melrose, on PATRICK ROY, goaltender, Colorado:

"In my mind, one goalie, one game, against Russia, for the Championship of the World, I want Patrick."

(Colorado Avalanche 1999-2000 media guide, p. 73)

Chicago coach Billy Reay, nominating TONY ESPOSITO, goaltender, Chicago:

"What makes him so good is his alertness. He's very much in the game at all times, watching the puck, and for that reason, he's a split-second ahead of everything that happens. Instead of reacting a split-second afterwords, he's on top of every situation."

(Hal Bock: "Save! Hockey's Brave Goalies", 1974)

Pat LaFontaine casts his ballot for GRANT FUHR, goaltender, Buffalo:

"He's the best goalie I've ever faced, the best I've ever seen, and he's playeing better now than he ever has. I'm glad he's on our side."

(Jon Scher, "Twin Peaks", _Sports Illustrated_, 1992.)

Panthers center Brian Skrudland on PATRICK ROY, goaltender, Colorado:

"If Patrick Roy isn't the best goaltender in the world, he's right there - and he's been right there for more than a decade. Patrick is a proud man, and when Montreal traded him in December, he took it personally. I've never seen him so at ease and confident. And when Patrick Roy plays with that kind of confidence, he's almost unbeatable."

(Larry Wigge, "Roy's Redemption", The Sporting News Hockey Yearbook 1996-97, p. 23)

The Hockey News 1997-98 Yearbook, on PATRICK ROY, goaltender, Colorado:

"It's difficult to compare players in different eras, but Roy is certainly a major contender to be called the top post-season goaltender of all time."

(Kevin Allen, "Fran-Tastic", The Hockey News 1997-98 Yearbook, p. 7)

Wayne Gretzky, on RON HEXTALL, goaltender, Philadelphia:

"Hextall is probably the best goaltender I've ever played against in the NHL. Just when you think you'll bombard him, he comes up with the big saves. We always seem to get a 2-0 lead, then he tightens up, plays really well and doesn't give us anything."

(Associated Press (via Washington Post), May 1987)