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Ranking the 3 best goaltenders in Buffalo Sabres history

The Sabres have a long history of strength between the pipes despite Buffalo's goalie struggles during the latter stages of its 2026 NHL playoff run.
ByJustin Bonhard|
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Feb 25, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) during a stoppage in play against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) during a stoppage in play against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres have had their fair share of fantastic players in their 55-year history. Many have even donned the "Goathead' or "Buffaslug" uniforms, but only a select few can be named as the best at their position. 

Looking at the history of this franchise in net, there are a bunch of worthy candidates to be called "The Best." But, in reality, these three are really the cream of the crop, with the fierce battle for the top spot decided in part by longevity with the organization.

Let’s get to it. 

3. Don Edwards (1977-82)

At No. 3, it is Don Edwards. He manned the Sabres net from 1977 through 1982. During that time, he racked up a record of 156-83-61 with a .896 save percentage. 

He sits in third place in franchise history for wins and games played. He is also one of five players to win the Vezina Trophy in a Buffalo uniform, though his victory came in a different era. The Vezina Trophy was awarded prior to 1981 to the goalie who allowed the fewest goals in the regular season. 

2. Dominik Hasek (1993-2001)

This is where things get a little tricky, as these next two can be a toss-up. But, looking at it with a big magnifying glass, Dominik Hasek is the second-greatest goaltender in Sabres history. 

You can make the case that winning the Vezina Trophy, when it was awarded to the best goaltender in the NHL, six times in seven years, makes him No. 1, especially in a time when he was going up against Hall of Fame netminders like Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur. 

But, there is only one other goaltender that can take the top spot, and it is deservedly so based on the Sabres' all-time record book.


1. Ryan Miller (2003-14)

Ryan Miller is the best goaltender in the Sabres long and storied history. He holds just about every record a goalie can have in franchise history, besides Hasek’s shutout record. 

Miller also holds the most wins in a single season, when he won 41 games in 2009-10. He is also the only goaltender to win 40 or more games in a single season, and he did so twice. 

Miller was a catalyst for many great Sabres teams and, if he had continued his career in Buffalo to the end, his 284 wins with the franchise would be much higher. 

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