Patrick Lalime (born July 7, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who enjoyed a long career in the NHL before moving into television analysis. Drafted in the 1993 Entry Draft, Lalime built a reputation for steady play and reliability in goal and went on to become a familiar face to hockey fans both on the ice and in broadcast booths.
Playing career and trajectory
Lalime was selected 156th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1993 and made his way into the NHL through strong performances in professional and minor-league play. Over the course of a 12-season NHL career he served as both a starter and a dependable backup, earning playing time in regular season and playoff games. He is particularly associated with his time in Ottawa, where he had some of his most notable seasons.
During his early time in the league Lalime recorded an extended unbeaten stretch that drew attention and remains one of the defining early moments of his professional career. He later experienced the ups and downs typical of long-tenured netminders — stretches of high consistency and occasional periods of difficulty — and adapted his game as team roles and league styles evolved.
Style, strengths and role
Observers described Lalime as a calm, technically focused netminder who relied on positioning and anticipation. He was valued for his competitiveness in net, his ability to make routine saves under pressure and his readiness to step into different roles as team needs changed. Lalime contributed veteran presence when mentoring younger goaltenders and provided reliable depth when used as a backup.
- Drafted in 1993 and played 12 NHL seasons.
- Known for an extended unbeaten start that attracted early attention.
- Served as both starter and backup during his career.
After retiring from playing on July 20, 2011, Lalime transitioned to broadcasting and became an analyst for Ottawa Senators broadcasts, applying his first-hand experience to game coverage and commentary. He has worked to explain goaltending technique and game situations to viewers and to provide context on roster decisions and league developments.
Beyond his playing statistics, Lalime is remembered for his steady temperament, his memorable early-career run, and his post-retirement role keeping fans informed about goaltending and team strategy. He remains a recognizable figure in Canadian hockey circles and continues to contribute to the sport through media and public appearances related to hockey in Canada.
For further reading and career details, consult official team histories and league records that document his seasons, game logs and postseason appearances.
Canada | ice hockey | goaltender | Ottawa Senators broadcasts | NHL | Pittsburgh Penguins