Patrick Lalime
|
Patrick Lalime (born July 7, 1974 in St. Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada) is a Canadian hockey player, long-time Goalie for the Ottawa Senators. He has a wife and two daughters. During the dealings of the 2004 NHL entry draft, Lalime was dealt to the St. Louis Blues.
He was originally drafted in 1994 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and started his NHL career with the best ever start for a goalie. After that first streak Lalime's play declined, however, and he retuned to the minor leagues before being traded to Ottawa. In Ottawa, he improved and eventually became Ottawa's starting goalie. In the 2002 playoffs he was stellar against the Philadelphia Flyers letting in only two goals in a five game series, a new record. His best year was in the 2002-03 NHL season when Lalime was a Eastern All-Star Goalie. He set another marker by being the first goalie to lose an overtime shootout in an All-Star game. In the playoffs that year Lalime led the Ottawa Senators to a semi-final finish for the Stanley Cup.
The 2003-2004 season was far less successful. While some commentators had predicted he would win the Vezina Trophy, he put up poor numbers all season and at times came close to losing the starters job to backup Martin Prušek.
Lalime is also known for his Marvin the Martian helmet.