#3: Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is one of the best NHL goalies of all-time. He was also one of the most cocky and arrogant players of all-time. But unlike most who are cocky and arrogant, Roy could back up every single word that he said. Perhaps his most famous moment as a player came when he told his teammates that they only had to score two goals because he was only letting in one during an important point in a Stanley Cup Final. Roy kept his word and led the Avalanche to their second Stanley Cup.
Patrick Roy won three Vezina Trophies during his career. He won each of them during his tenure with the Montreal Canadiens. He won them in 1989, 1990, and 1992. He also won the Conn Smythe in 1986, 1993, and 2001. He won four Stanley Cups during his career. He won in 1986 and 1993 as a member of the Canadiens and in 1996 and 2001 as a member of the Colorado Avalanche.
He also won five Jennings Trophies (1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, and 2002). Roy’s greatest contribution to hockey had nothing to do with his numerous awards. It was because he revolutionized the butterfly position.
From Hockey’s Greatest:
"Roy redefined the position. He conquered the game with his pioneering butterfly style, but he also helped change the equipment by working with Koho, which manufactures his pads, to make them lighter. Any goalie who drops to his knees to cover the bottom of the next wearing six-pound leg pads rather than the old nine-pounders should genuflect to Roy."
As incredible as Roy was in goal, his personality was truly unforgettable. The NHL likely will never see a more arrogant son of a gun than Patrick Roy. And everyone who watched him wouldn’t have it any other way.
Next: #2: Jacques Plante