San Jose Sharks: The Best Goaltenders in Team History

In the 21-year history of the San Jose Sharks, goaltending has been a fixture.  In fact, San Jose has been one of the more stable NHL franchises in net over the past two decades.

Everyone knows Evgeni Nabokov and the 500-plus games played with the Sharks, but there are four other goalies with over 100 games in San Jose under their belt.

Here are the best goalies ever to put on the teal.

5. Antti Niemi

He has not played many games for the Sharks so far, so this may be a pick for the future more than anything.

Niemi has led the Sharks to a Western Conference final, and he has also knocked the Sharks out of the Western Conference final.

However, his time with the Sharks has been tied for the most rewarding for the franchise, which is why he is No. 5 on this list.

4. Mike Vernon

He is maybe not the most household name for the average hockey fan, but the diehards know Vernon as the man to turn this franchise around.

He replaced Ed Belfour in net in 1997 and gave a great effort in 126 games in teal.

He solidified the goalie position for the Sharks during that time and is partly responsible for consistent hockey in San Jose.

3. Vesa Toskala

Toskala never officially got a shot in San Jose, yet he can go down as one of the best to ever throw on the teal in net.

He split time with Nabokov the majority of the time he was in San Jose, but he was excellent when called upon, which is why he is so high on this list.

2. Arturs Irbe

No-brainer here.  Irbe is one of the more prolific goalies to ever play in San Jose.

In 183 games played for the Sharks, Irbe stopped 89 percent of the shots he saw.

He is responsible for taking the Sharks to next level in the NHL.  He led them to their first playoff series win and really put San Jose on the map in the hockey world.

1. Evgeni Nabokov

Zero doubt that Nabokov is the best goalie to ever play for San Jose.

Year-in and year-out, he led the Sharks to the elite of the NHL and is at the top of nearly every San Jose goalie record.

In 563 games played for the Sharks, he registered a .912 save percentage, and many can thank him for the success this franchise has had over the years.

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