Senators by the Numbers: #1

This is the first entry in a new series examining each number worn by every player who has ever pulled on a jersey for the Ottawa Senators. It will be part analysis, part opinion, part compilation, part trivia question. You'll get the chance to vote on who's the best - by the numbers. Feel free to comment on which jersey numbers you choose to wear. Numbers don't just identify, they are part of a player's identity. By looking at the history of these numbers, we'll get a better sense of how the Senators add up.

We'll start at the beginning with #1. 1 is traditionally a number reserved for goaltenders and it's no different with the Senators. 1 has been worn by 6 Senators over the course of the club's 20 year history:

Steve Weeks G 1992-1993

A journeyman NHLer, Weeks joined the Sens during their inaugural campaign from the Washington Capitals. Weeks never recorded a win while serving as Peter Sidorkiewicz's back-up.

Craig Billington G 1993-1994, 1994-1995

took over the starter's role during Ottawa's second season but was traded to the Boston Bruins the following year.

Damian Rhodes G 1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999

Acquired from the Maple Leafs as part of a three-way deal in which the Senators also acquired Wade Redden, Rhodes split time with Ron Tugnutt between the Ottawa pipes. One of only 10 goalies to score in the NHL, Rhodes scored without taking a shot.

Jani Hurme G 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002

A 3^rd-round, 58^th overall Ottawa draft pick in 1997, Hurme wore #1 in his first season with the Sens and also wore #35 during his time in Ottawa.

Simon Lajeunesse G 2001-2002

A 2^nd-round draft in 1999, Quebec City's Lajeunesse played only 1 game for the Senators in 2001-2002. In fact, he played only one game in the NHL during his career.

Ray Emery G 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008

While Emery's time in Ottawa was filled with controversy, he helped lead the Sens to a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Best #1: Ray Emery

Rhodes provided some competition and Emery's final season with the club is a negative mark on his record; nevertheless, Ray put together the best individual season of this bunch in 2006-2007 and it resulted in the club's first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Worst #1: Steve Weeks

Admittedly, it's a bit harsh to brand Weeks the worst to wear #1 in Sens history: his sample size is small and the team he was part of was truly awful. That said, a .792 SV% in 7 games is horrible and a 7.22 GAA in the same span is laughably bad. Craig Anderson looks more and more appealing.

Who's Ottawa's best #1?