Best NHL goalie from each franchise: Florida Panthers – John Vanbiesbrouck
The Florida Panthers are another team that has never won a Stanley Cup championship and until 1993, had many problems when it came to their goalie situation. It was that year that an experienced veteran goalie was made available via trade in John Vanbiesbrouck.
Vanbiesbrouck made a name for himself in the big apple after spending almost a decade with the New York Rangers. At the time, they wanted to go with goalie Mike Richter and decided to part ways with Vanbiesbrouck, which, at the end of the day, worked out well for everyone.
Once he arrived on the Panthers, it only took a few years until he was able to, and get this, bring the franchise to their first and so far, only Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Sadly, the Panthers could not seal the deal but the fact that he was able to finally get them there spoke volumes of his goalie abilities.
With over 350 wins and 40 shutouts in his career, Vanbiesbrouck was a much-needed catalyst on a team that was in dire need of such a dynamic player to bring some excitement to the mix. Watching him use his unique style of deflecting shots and making clutch saves will be something many fans of the Panthers always remember what he meant for the team during his five-year tenure.