Ron Tugnutt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Goaltender |
| Caught | Left |
| Nickname(s) | Tugger |
| Height Weight |
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 165 lb (75 kg/11 st 11 lb) |
| Pro clubs | Quebec Nordiques Edmonton Oilers Anaheim Ducks Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Pittsburgh Penguins Columbus Blue Jackets Dallas Stars |
| Nationality |  Canada |
| Born | October 22, 1967 , Scarborough, ON |
| NHL Draft | 81st overall, 1986 Quebec Nordiques |
| Pro career | 1987 (NHL) – 2004 |
Ron Tugnutt (born October 22, 1967 in Scarborough, Ontario) is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the OHL from 1984-1987 and was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques of the NHL in the 4th round, 81st overall.
Although he has not officially retired, Tugnutt is currently a broadcasting member for CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Contents |
[edit] Playing career
[edit] Early years
Tugnutt was born in Scarborough, Ontario and played three seasons with the OHL Peterborough Petes before being drafted to the NHL. During that time, he won the F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy for the rookie with the best goals against average, followed by the Dave Pinkney Trophy for top team goaltending, and was named to the OHL All Star team in 1987.
[edit] NHL beginnings
He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 4th round, 87th overall. He was primarily used as a backup for his first three seasons, bouncing up and down from the AHL. During 1990-91 NHL season, Tugnutt played what would be a career high 56 games for Quebec.
On March 21, 1991, Tugnutt stopped 70 of 73 shots to earn his a 3-3 tie against the Boston Bruins, the second highest number of saves made in a regular season NHL game. His performance in that game evoked such respect that after it was over, several Bruins skated over to congratulate Tugnutt.[1]
After an inconsistent year, Tugnutt returned to his backup duties with the struggling Quebec squad in 1992. He was then traded to the Edmonton Oilers. For the next three years Tugnutt bounced around from Edmonton to Anaheim to Montreal getting little ice time, and questioning his career.[2]
[edit] Career breakthrough
In 1995, Tugnutt signed a one year deal with Washington and spent the entire NHL season with the AHL affiliate Portland Pirates. He was productive in Portland, helping lead the Pirates to the Calder Cup Finals.[3]
It was this showing that earned Tugnutt a deal with the Ottawa Senators. With the help of goaltending coach Phil Myre, Tugnutt worked on the fundamentals, gained some confidence and improved his game each season. While in Ottawa, he went from fighting for the backup position with Mike Bales behind starter Damian Rhodes to splitting duties with Rhodes the next two seasons and becoming the eventual undisputed starting goaltender in 1999.
In 1998-99, Tugnutt had the best season of his career. He posted a league-best goals against average of 1.79, placed second in the league in save percentage at .925, had a career high in wins, and tied a career high in shutouts. This great play, and an injury to Curtis Joseph, gave Tugnutt the opportunity to play in the 1999 NHL All-Star Game.
The next season, Rhodes was shipped to the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, giving Tugnutt sole possession of the starting job. However, he was unable to match his previous season and Ottawa decided to trade him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in favor of an experienced playoff performer, Tom Barrasso.
After arriving in Pittsburgh, Tugnutt took over the starting job from Jean Sebastien Aubin and helped lead Pittsburgh deep into the playoffs. Tugnutt was in goal for the epic May 4, 2000, playoff game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He made 70 saves on 72 shots. Unfortunately for the Penguins, the 72nd shot was a goal scored by Keith Primeau of the Flyers at 12:01 of the fifth overtime. The final score was Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1, after 152:01 minutes, the longest NHL game since the 1930s.
Following his performance with Pittsburgh, Tugnutt was one of the most sought after free agents on the market. Both Ottawa and Pittsburgh attempted to sign Tugnutt but were unable to match the lucrative contract offered by the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets.[4][5]
During the Blue Jackets' inaugural season, Tugnutt was considered their backbone. Tugnutt's 22 wins broke another NHL record for most the wins on an expansion team. His .924 save percentage was among the best in the league.[6]
The team's second season was not as impressive as the first. Tugnutt battled injuries and ended up sharing time with young netminder Marc Denis. GM Doug MacLean decided that it was time to give Denis the opportunity to be the sole starter on the club, and traded Tugnutt to the Dallas Stars.[7]
[edit] Recent career
Tugnutt went to the Dallas Stars in 2002-03 as the backup to goaltender Marty Turco. In January 2003, Turco suffered an ankle injury that allowed Tugnutt to start almost 20 straight games. He posted back to back shutouts during that stretch. For the season, he played 31 games and posted a 15-10-5 record along with four shutouts.
2003-04 was considered Tugnutt's toughest year in the NHL. From the start of the season to January he only received three starts. He was sent down to the minors for the first time in almost ten years to get some playing time with the Utah Grizzlies. Just five games in, Tugnutt pulled his groin and was out until after the All Star break.[8] Soon after, he was recalled to the Dallas Stars. After two solid starts, one in which was a shutout, Tugnutt finally got the break he was waiting for. Turco got a four game suspension.[9]
Tugnutt played solid in crucial games between Vancouver and San Jose. Both in which he lost in overtime, 3-2, and 2-1 respectively. During the San Jose game, Tugnutt was named Pierre McGuire's Monster Performer. He ended up losing all four contests, although the Dallas Stars were missing several key defencemen, and forwards.
That was Tugnutt's last game in the NHL to date.
[edit] Post-retirement
After the lockout, Tugnutt joined CBC as a color commentator for Hockey Night in Canada.[10] He is also inquiring into becoming a goaltending coach.
[edit] Style of play
Tugnutt is a cross between a stand-up goaltender and a butterfly goaltender. In his earlier years he was known to flop around the crease too much, and not challenge shooters enough. However, since his days in Ottawa, under goaltending coach Phil Myre Tugnutt has become a much more position goaltender, standing tall in his crease and always ready to make the save. What kept him around the league so long, was his ability to adjust his style to the changing styles of the NHL.
[edit] Off the ice
- Tugnutt, who is known around the league as one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, has only had one problem with a fellow netminder. That was in Montreal with Patrick Roy. Roy apparently slighted Tugnutt, letting him know who was boss and who was "that guy who only plays when I don't feel like it." Tugnutt has since put his differences aside with Roy, but hasn't forgotten.[11]
- Tugnutt is married to wife Lisa, and has two children, Matthew and Jacob.
- Currently, Tugnutt resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
- He spends much of his free time coaching his kids minor hockey team.
- Tugnutt is also a movie buff, he enjoys boating and travelling. In the summer of 1998, Tugnutt was involved in a severe boating accident. It was suspected that he might miss out on training camp. Ironically enough, Tugnutt healed and had the best season of his career, breaking the modern day NHL record for lowest G.A.A and coming 2nd in the league in save percentage.[12]
[edit] Career statistics
[edit] Regular season
| Season | Team | League | GP | W | L | T | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SVP% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984-85 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 18 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 938 | 59 | 0 | 3.77 | - |
| 1985-86 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 26 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 1543 | 74 | 1 | 2.88 | - |
| 1986-87 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 31 | 21 | 7 | 2 | 1891 | 88 | 2 | 2.79 | - |
| 1987-88 | Fredericton Express | AHL | 34 | 20 | 9 | 4 | 1964 | 118 | 1 | 3.60 | - |
| 1987-88 | Quebec Nordiques | NHL | 6 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 284 | 16 | 0 | 3.38 | .870 |
| 1988-89 | Halifax Citadels | AHL | 24 | 14 | 7 | 2 | 1368 | 79 | 1 | 3.46 | - |
| 1988-89 | Quebec Nordiques | NHL | 26 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 1367 | 82 | 0 | 3.60 | .892 |
| 1989-90 | Halifax Citadels | AHL | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 366 | 23 | 0 | 3.77 | - |
| 1989-90 | Quebec Nordiques | NHL | 35 | 5 | 24 | 3 | 1978 | 152 | 0 | 4.61 | .859 |
| 1990-91 | Halifax Citadels | AHL | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100 | 8 | 0 | 4.80 | - |
| 1990-91 | Quebec Nordiques | NHL | 56 | 12 | 29 | 10 | 3144 | 212 | 0 | 4.04 | .886 |
| 1991-92 | Halifax Citadels | AHL | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 447 | 30 | 0 | 4.03 | - |
| 1991-92 | Quebec/Edmonton | NHL | 33 | 7 | 18 | 3 | 1707 | 116 | 1 | 4.08 | .864 |
| 1992-93 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 26 | 9 | 12 | 2 | 1338 | 93 | 0 | 4.17 | .879 |
| 1993-94 | Anaheim/Montreal | NHL | 36 | 12 | 18 | 2 | 1898 | 100 | 1 | 3.16 | .900 |
| 1994-95 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 346 | 18 | 0 | 3.12 | .895 |
| 1995-96 | Portland Pirates | AHL | 58 | 21 | 23 | 6 | 3068 | 171 | 2 | 3.34 | .898 |
| 1996-97 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 37 | 17 | 15 | 1 | 1991 | 93 | 3 | 2.80 | .895 |
| 1997-98 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 42 | 15 | 14 | 8 | 2236 | 84 | 3 | 2.25 | .905 |
| 1998-99 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 43 | 22 | 10 | 8 | 2508 | 75 | 3 | 1.79 | .925 |
| 1999-00 | Ottawa/Pittsburgh | NHL | 51 | 22 | 14 | 8 | 2809 | 118 | 4 | 2.52 | .903 |
| 2000-01 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 53 | 22 | 25 | 5 | 3129 | 127 | 4 | 2.44 | .917 |
| 2001-02 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 44 | 12 | 27 | 3 | 2502 | 119 | 2 | 2.85 | .900 |
| 2002-03 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 31 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1701 | 70 | 4 | 2.47 | .896 |
| 2003-04 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 11 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 548 | 22 | 1 | 2.41 | .900 |
| OHL Totals | 75 | 46 | 18 | 4 | 4372 | 221 | 3 | 3.03 | - | ||
| AHL Totals | 137 | 60 | 51 | 14 | 7594 | 443 | 4 | 3.50 | - | ||
| NHL Totals (16 NHL Seasons) | 537 | 186 | 239 | 62 | 29486 | 1497 | 26 | 3.05 | .895 | ||
[edit] Playoffs
| Season | Team | League | GP | W | L | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SVP% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-86 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 3 | 2 | 0 | 133 | 6 | 0 | 2.70 | - |
| 1986-87 | Peterborough Petes | OHL | 6 | 3 | 3 | 374 | 21 | 1 | 3.36 | - |
| 1987-88 | Fredericton Express | AHL | 4 | 1 | 2 | 204 | 11 | 0 | 3.23 | - |
| 1991-92 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 3.00 | .919 |
| 1993-94 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 59 | 5 | 0 | 5.08 | .833 |
| 1995-96 | Portland Pirates | AHL | 13 | 7 | 6 | 782 | 36 | 1 | 2.76 | - |
| 1996-97 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 7 | 3 | 4 | 425 | 14 | 1 | 1.97 | .923 |
| 1997-98 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 2 | 0 | 1 | 74 | 6 | 0 | 4.86 | .806 |
| 1998-99 | Ottawa Senators | NHL | 2 | 0 | 2 | 118 | 6 | 0 | 3.05 | .872 |
| 1999-00 | Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 11 | 6 | 5 | 746 | 22 | 2 | 1.76 | .945 |
| OHL Totals | 9 | 5 | 3 | 507 | 27 | 1 | 3.19 | - | ||
| AHL Totals | 17 | 8 | 8 | 986 | 47 | 1 | 2.86 | - | ||
| NHL Totals | 25 | 9 | 13 | 1482 | 56 | 3 | 2.26 | .923 | ||
[edit] Honours and records
- Modern day record holder for most saves in a regular season game non-loss (Stopped 70 of 73 shots in a 3-3 tie with the Boston Bruins; 21 March 1991.)
- 10th all time for lowest goals-against average during the regular season.
- Holds Anaheim Mighty Ducks record for most saves in a regular season game with 46, set against the Edmonton Oilers on November 21, 1993).
- Named to the NHL first All-star Team in 1998-99.
- Tied with Dominik Hašek for Ottawa Senators highest regular season save percentage.
- Leader in save percentage for the 1999-2000 Playoffs
- Holds Pittsburgh Penguins record for highest save percentage in the playoffs
- Record holder for most wins in the regular season on an expansion team with 22, set while with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2000-2001 season.
- Holds Columbus Blue Jackets record for lowest goals-against average in the regular season.[13]
- Has Division named in his honour in the FCHL.
[edit] International play
After a disappointing 4 game sweep in the NHL playoffs, Tugnutt was more than excited to play for Team Canada in the World Hockey Championship. The semi-final game was against the Czech Republic in which Canada lost after the game went undecided in overtime, ending in a shootout. This was Tugnutt's second appearance on Team Canada. He played for them in 1993 as well.[14]
[edit] International statistics
| Year | Team | Event | GP | W | L | T | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | CAN | WC | 4 | -- | -- | -- | 125 | 6 | -- | 2.87 | -- |
| 1998 | CAN | WC | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 328 | 11 | 0 | 2.01 | .915 |
| World Championship Totals | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 453 | 17 | 0 | 2.25 | -- | ||
[edit] Awards
| Preceded by Ed Belfour |
Played In NHL All-Star Game 1999 |
Succeeded by Martin Brodeur |
| Preceded by Scott Mosey & Marty Abrams |
Winner of the Dave Pinkney Trophy 1986 |
Succeeded by Jeff Hackett & Sean Evoy |
| Preceded by Gerry Iuliano |
Winner of the F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy 1985 |
Succeeded by Paul Henriques |
[edit] Trade history
- He was traded (with left-winger Brad Zavisha) to the Edmonton Oilers, for LW Martin Rucinsky, on March 10th 1992.
- He was selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim as part of the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft on June 24th, 1993.
- On February 20th, 1994, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Stephen Lebeau.
- Signed as a free agent by the Washington Capitals in the summer of 1995.
- Signed as a free agent by the Ottawa Senators in the summer of 1996.
- He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Janne Laukkanen, for goaltender Tom Barrasso, on March 14th, 2000.
- Signed as a free agent by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2000.
- Traded, along with second-round draft pick in 2002 entry draft, to the Dallas Stars, for a first-round draft pick in the 2002 entry draft, in June 2002.
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ New York Times, March 21, 1991
- ^ TSN.ca player profile
- ^ The AHL.com, Portland rejuvanates Tugnutt's career
- ^ Post-Gazette, Sens want Tugnutt Back, Tugnutt hot on free agent market
- ^ Canoe Sports Slam Hockey, Tugnutt Signs with Columbus
- ^ The Sports Network, Tugnutt was the backbone to Columbus
- ^ HockeyInformer.com, Denis had potential to be starter
- ^ AllSports.com,Tugnutt pulls groin in minors
- ^ ESPN, Turco Suspended 4 Games
- ^ SLAM! Sports, Tugnutt Joins CBC as Commentator
- ^ SLAM! Sports, There's only one goalie Tugnutt couldn't work with
- ^ Hockey Goalies, Tugnutt Profile, and boating accident
- ^ Goalies Archive, Tugnutt's Honours and Records
- ^ Ottawa Sun, Shootout loss to Czechs
[edit] External links
- The Unofficial Website of Ron Tugnutt
- Ron Tugnutt Biography at The Goaltender Home Page
- Ron Tugnutt Biography at Legends of Hockey
