Top 5 greatest goalies of all-time on the Buffalo Sabres

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NEW YORK – CIRCA 1983: Goalie Bob Sauve #28 of the Buffalo Sabers defends his goal against the New York Rangers during an NHL Hockey game circa 1983 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Sauve playing career went from 1976-89. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Bob Sauve

In 1979-80, the Buffalo Sabres were pretty good. One reason is that they had a goaltender named Bob Sauve, who ended up winning the Vezina Trophy that year. He logged a save percentage of 0.901 and an amazing 2.36 GAA. He also received strong consideration for the NHL All-Star Team that year.

Sauve played in Buffalo for nine seasons, and he saw action in 246 games. During his time in the Queen City, he finished 119-76-39 with a career save percentage of 0.877 and a GAA of 3.21. Sauve originally moved on from Buffalo during the 1981-82 season, where he spent time with the Detroit Red Wings. However, he would return to the Sabres and remain with them until 1984-85.

He split two seasons apiece in Chicago and New Jersey, but as Sauve ventured into his thirties, his numbers declined and he allowed a GAA of 3.95 during those final four years and a save percentage of 0.870.

However, before he left the Sabres following the 1984-85 season, Sauve won the William M. Jennings Trophy. This award goes to the goaltender with the fewest goals against over a minimum 25 games played. It was the second time Sauve won the award, as the Vezina, until 1981, was also awarded under that definition.

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