Canadian hockey is witnessing a dramatic decline in its goaltending dominance, going from controlling 73% of NHL games to 25% in less than two decades. The national consciousness is awakening to this crisis, notably as international tournaments unfold. Historically, Canada produced legendary goalies, but today, European and American players are surpassing them in numbers and prowess. This shift signifies not only a loss of representation but also an alarming trend reflected in recent league awards, questioning how Canada can reclaim its crucial position in this sport.
Their numbers have been dwindling... From 73 percent of the NHL, to 51, and now down to half that in the span of less than 20 years.
How did Canada go from the world's standard bearer... to being outclassed at the most important position in its national sport?
As recently as 2000, Canada was so overwhelmingly in control... that two-thirds of all games played in the NHL were by goalies from the country.
It's a shift that's especially evident among the game's elite goalies. A Canadian, for example, has won only one of the past eight Vezina trophies.
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