27 greatest American NHL players of all-time

player. 70. <p>Nicknamed Mr. Zero, Frank Brimsek was one of the first great goalies in NHL history who played with a cool and collected demeanor. Brimsek dominated in the late 30s and into the 40s when he was either a first or second-team All-Star in eight of his 10 seasons and won a pair of Vezina’s and a pair of Stanley Cups.</p> <p>The Hockey Hall of Famer was dominant right from the start as a 23-year-old for the Boston Bruins in 1938-1939 when he led the NHL with 33 wins, a 1.56 GAA and 10 shutouts en route to winning his first Vezina and first Cup. He only allowed 18 goals in 12 playoff games as a rookie, so how’s that for unflappable?</p> <p>His second Cup would come two years later and his second Vezina came three years later. He was an iron man in net who led the league in games played on five occasions, including a career-high 70 games in 1949-1950. He also led the NHL in wins, GAA and shutouts twice.</p> <p>Brimsek’s 252 career wins rank fifth all-time among American goalies and his 40 shutouts are tied for the most with John Vanbiesbrouck.</p>. Goalie. Boston Bruins. Frank Brimsek. 14