In the demanding world of the National Hockey League (NHL), goaltenders often face a grueling schedule, but some have endured exceptional workloads, setting records for the most games played in a single season. Among them, Grant Fuhr holds the record for the most games played by a goalie in a single season.
During the 1995-96 season, Grant Fuhr appeared in 79 games for the St. Louis Blues. That season marked Fuhr's first with the Blues, where he played under coach Mike Keenan, who clearly had great confidence in Fuhr's abilities. However, the heavy workload eventually took its toll, as Fuhr was injured during the Blues' playoff run. Despite the injury, Fuhr's performance that season was remarkable, earning him votes for the Hart, Vezina, and Lady Byng Trophies.
Several other goalies have come close to matching Fuhr's record. Martin Brodeur, one of the NHL's all-time greatest goalies, played 78 games for the New Jersey Devils in the 2006-07 season. Brodeur also had three other seasons where he played 77 games. In the 2007-08 and 2009-10 seasons with the New Jersey Devils, and in 1995-96.
Evgeni Nabokov is another modern-era goalie who reached 77 games in the 2007-08 season with the San Jose Sharks. In the 2002-03 season, Marc Denis also played 77 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Arturs Irbe reached 77 games in the 2000-01 season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Bill Ranford also played 77 games in the 1995-96 season.
Other goalies who have recorded high game totals in a single season include Roberto Luongo, Miikka Kiprusoff, and Ryan Miller. Luongo played 76 games in 2006-07 with the Vancouver Canucks and 75 games in 2005-06 with the Florida Panthers. Kiprusoff played 76 games in both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with the Calgary Flames. Ryan Miller played 76 games in 2007-08 with the Buffalo Sabres.
These impressive numbers reflect not only the durability and skill of these goaltenders but also the demands placed on them by their teams. The rigors of an NHL season require exceptional physical and mental toughness, and these goalies have demonstrated their ability to withstand the pressure and perform at a high level consistently. While the game continues to evolve, the record set by Grant Fuhr remains a testament to the endurance and dedication of NHL goaltenders.
