The rarity of right-catching goalies in the NHL adds an intriguing dimension to the evaluation of the best netminders in history. While the vast majority of goalies catch with their left hand, a select few have defied the norm, achieving remarkable success while catching with their right. Approximately 60-70% of NHL players shoot left-handed, yet only around 10% of goalies catch with their right, making them a unique and sometimes perplexing challenge for opposing shooters. This disparity can create an advantage for right-catching goalies, as shooters are less accustomed to aiming at a glove on the opposite side.
Several prominent right-catching goalies have left their mark on the NHL. Grant Fuhr stands out as one of the most accomplished. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003, Fuhr was a cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty in the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups. Known for his athleticism and unorthodox style, Fuhr captured the Vezina Trophy in 1988 and shared the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1994. His ability to handle a heavy workload and perform under pressure solidified his place among the NHL's elite.
Tony Esposito is another Hall of Fame goaltender who caught with his right hand. Joining the Chicago Blackhawks in 1969, Esposito quickly established himself as a top goalie, winning the Calder Trophy and Vezina Trophy in his rookie season. A pioneer of the butterfly style, Esposito recorded 15 shutouts in 1969-70, a modern-day record. He won three Vezina Trophies and was a five-time All-Star during his 15 seasons with the Blackhawks.
Roger Crozier is also considered to be among the best right-catching goalies in NHL history. Throughout his 15 seasons in the NHL, Crozier is known as a Red Wings legend. Despite a broken cheekbone in his first NHL game in 1964, Crozier came back to win the Calder Trophy. In 1966, Crozier pushed Detroit to the Stanley Cup final against the Canadiens, and despite losing the Cup, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Other notable right-catching goalies include Tom Barrasso, who won the Vezina and Calder Trophies in his rookie season with the Buffalo Sabres and was the youngest player to ever win the Vezina trophy at the age of 18, and Roman Turek, who won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. These goalies demonstrated that catching with the right hand was no impediment to achieving success at the highest level.
However, right-catching goalies have become increasingly rare in the NHL. Several factors may contribute to this decline. One possible explanation is the availability of equipment. While it has improved over the years, right-handed equipment was historically harder to find, potentially leading some young goalies to switch to catching with their left hand. Another factor could be the prevalence of left-handed shooters in the NHL. With a majority of players shooting left-handed, goalies may be more inclined to develop their glove hand on the left side to better counter the angle of attack.
Despite their dwindling numbers, right-catching goalies continue to appear in the NHL. Logan Thompson of the Vegas Golden Knights and Charlie Lindgren of the Washington Capitals are two examples of modern-day right-catching goalies making an impact. Their presence in the league serves as a reminder that talent and skill are the ultimate determinants of success, regardless of which hand a goalie uses to catch the puck.
