- May 1, 2011
- 130,190
- 57,550
I remember arguing back in 2002 that he was already in the HOF and that he probably only had to play 3-4 more years just to get in, with a Vezina (remember he had yet to win one of those by that time) and another cup win (possibly a Conn Smythe) maybe even reducing that. It was usually a bunch of idiots who argued against it. It was pretty apparent by 2003 that he was gonna own the wins record, upon Roy announcing his retirement. Barring some freak career ending injury. And it was pretty clear sailing for him to own the shutout record by that point. I think he was just a few regular shutouts short of Roy's career total just by the time Roy retired. Roy had 66 career and Marty had 64 at the conclusion of the 02-03 regular season.The guy was a lock when he still had a decade left to play. No brainer for sure.
Marty passed him very early in the 03-04 season, so Roy had only been retired a few months before Marty passed him in career shutouts. I believe Belfour was ahead of Marty at that point, but both were tied (among active goalies) with 75 by the conclusion of the 03-04 season. Belfour was also just about 40, so you knew Marty was gonna zoom past him.