Terry Sawchuk still leads the NHL in career shutouts, 103.  He has 447 wins in 971 games played in the NHL.  Terrance Gordan Sawchuk is the most powerful goaltender ever in the NHL and he paid the price for it.  Yes he died at the age of 41.  The five year wait to be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame was not a concern after the shocking loss of teammate and friend, Terry Sawchuk  was immediately honored in the Hall of Fame.

Of Ukranian ancestry Terry had the nickname "the Uke" or "Ukey".  He played for Detroit most of his career. He was named rookie of the year in Detroit and earned the Calder Trophy.  He was also named rookie of the year in two other leagues Omaha of the USHL and Indianapolis of the AHL.  He is the only player to earn "rookie of the year"  three times.

Other NHL teams that Terry Sawchuk played for are the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers.  He was co-Vezina winner with Johnny Bower  when Toronto Maple Leafs had two starting goalies.  The Leafs also won the Stanley Cup with Sawchuk and Bower.

Terry Sawchuk had bent right arm from a childhood injury. He also had other injuries from the way or style of goal tending he used.  Terry Sawchuk would be the ultimate fantasy hockey goal tender today.  He was not a comfortable hockey player away from the rink.  He loved the game.   He played 21 NHL seasons, 1949-1970.  Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1951-52.  In this NHL eight games determined the winner.  So Terry Sawchuk in eight straight made sure his team with very solid goal tending would win.  He had 8 wins, 4 of which were shutouts and his Goals Against Average was 0.63.  That brings this sports writer knowledge of the impossible in the tougher era of the NHL that Sawchuk and friend Gordie Howe played in.  Terry Sawchuk was incredible and almost angelic in net that entire year and for any arguement angelic in net for his entire career.  Ted Lindsay and Gordie Howe never worried if the net minder was shaky when Sawchuk played.  Sawchuk died of injuries that had plagued him throughout his career.  Terry Sawchuk lives though in the sports articles and untouchable intense play and his career shutouts record still stands.  Patrick Roy did not touch it. 

Terry Sawchuk and his playoff performances will never be duplicated.  The playoffs of 1951-52 , I was not alive but really wanted to be; still makes me yell "Lets Go Red Wings!" and stare at the Red and White jersey in wonder,  " a 0.63 GAA  and four shutouts in eight straight wins." Nothing is impossible with this NHL Legend, Terry Sawchuk.   

Terry Sawchuk born December 28, 1929-died May 31, 1970.

For picture gallery and more statistics about Terry Sawchuk visit the Hockey Hall of Fame website.

www.hhof.com