Jan 22, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) before playing against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Coyotes Goaltenders History
Goaltending is one of the hardest positions in all of sports. It takes a unique individual to voluntarily stand in a crease and have frozen pucks shot in their direction up to speeds of 100 miles per hour. The goaltender is often praised for a victory and blamed for a loss as they are the last line of defense. Spectacular saves can bring the crowd to its feet or silence a hostile arena. Either way, the pressure that an NHL goalie has to deal with is incredible.
The Arizona Coyotes have had strong talent in net in their 19 year history. From 1996 to 2015, thirty-five goaltenders have taken the ice to start a game in a Coyotes sweater. The Coyotes have seen everything from NHL record holders to Stanley Cup champions in between the pipes in Glendale.
Arizona has become a place where goaltenders thrive with Sean Burke at the helm as the goaltending coach. In recent years he has transformed average players in to superstars. It is safe to say that the future is bright with our goaltending prospects under his control.
With the incredible players to grace the crease in Glendale, Howlin’ Hockey decided to break down the top five goaltenders of all-time. These rankings take wins, losses, goals against, save percentage, and many other factors in to account. The statistics associated with the players are from their playing career with the Coyotes organization.
Howlin’ Hockey ranks the top five goaltenders of the Arizona Coyotes franchise starting with number five:
Next: #5: Curtis Joseph