Ken Dryden's impact on NHL went beyond his playing career

One of the NHL's goaltending legends

Dryden did not have an extensive NHL career in terms of games played, but few players dominated the position — and league — the way he did. Despite playing just eight seasons, he was universally regarded as one of the best goaltenders of his era.

In 397 career games, Dryden won five Vezina Trophies and six Stanley Cups, backstopping the great Montreal Canadiens dynasty of the 1970s. He led the NHL in save percentage three times and in goals against average (GAA) and wins four times. 

Dryden was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he was eligible in 1983 and had his No. 29 retired by the Canadiens.

Ken Dryden's impact was felt long after he retired

What makes Dryden's legacy in hockey so remarkable is the influence he had and the many ways he continued to shape the game even after his retirement.

He worked as a broadcaster for the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics. He was also the color commentator alongside Al Michaels for the United States' Miracle on Ice win over the Soviet Union. 

However, his most significant impact on the sport might have been with the written word.

Dryden authored several books, including "The Game," published in 1983, which is still regarded as one of the most profound sports books ever written. 

In "The Game," Dryden details the pressures of being an NHL goalie and professional athlete, as well as his time on the 1979 Stanley Cup-winning Canadiens. 

He dove into how winning changes motivation, the way the game was played and coached, and how the Summit Series of the 1970s forced North American players to change their style to match the Soviets.

Dryden's book offered a never-before-seen look into the mind of an athlete, and it stands the test of time decades later.