He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the fourth round (81st overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He was primarily used as a backup during his first three pro seasons, bouncing up and down between the Halifax Citadels of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the parent club in Quebec City. During 1990–91 NHL season, Tugnutt played what would be a career-high 56 games for Quebec and established himself as a quality NHL starter despite playing for what was then the worst team in the league.
On March 21, 1991, Tugnutt stopped 70 of 73 shots to earn his team a 3–3 tie against the Boston Bruins, the highest number of saves made in a regular season game in NHL history[6]. His performance evoked such respect that after it was over, several Bruins players skated over to congratulate Tugnutt[7] while the Boston fans gave him a standing ovation.
Anaheim quickly settled on Hebert as their future starter, and the Montreal Canadiens decided that André Racicot and Les Kuntar were not adequately serving as Patrick Roy's backup, so Tugnutt was acquired by the Canadiens in exchange for Stéphan Lebeau. Tugnutt's performance suffered; for Anaheim he had posted a .908 save percentage in 28 games, but for Montreal, he posted an .860 save percentage in eight games during the 1993–94 season.
During the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Bruins, Tugnutt started a game as Patrick Roy was recuperating from an appendectomy, but he did not return to the Canadiens for the 1995–96 season, and was replaced by Patrick Labrecque. These experiences caused Tugnutt to ponder retirement.[citation needed]
Career breakthrough
In 1995, Tugnutt signed a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals, and subsequently spent the entire 1995–96 season with their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates. He was productive in Portland, helping lead the Pirates to the Calder Cup Finals.[8]
This strong performance caught the attention of the Ottawa Senators. Goaltending coach Phil Myre helped Tugnutt work on fundamentals, and gained confidence and improved his game each season. While in Ottawa, he went from fighting for the backup position with Mike Bales to splitting duties with starter Damian Rhodes the next two seasons, and became the team's undisputed starting goaltender by 1999.
On April 12, 1997, Tugnutt shutout the Buffalo Sabres in the final game of the regular season. Tugnutt's father had just died and immediately following the win Tugnutt pointed to the rafters to signify the win was for his father, in what became an iconic image of Tugnutt. This win propelled the Senators to their first playoff berth.[9]
In 1998–99, Tugnutt had the best season of his career, and one of the best by an NHL goaltender in the modern era. 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 outstanding 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 traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins for an experienced playoff goaltender, Tom Barrasso.
After arriving in Pittsburgh, Tugnutt took over the starting job from Jean-Sébastien Aubin and helped lead Pittsburgh deep into the playoffs. Tugnutt was in goal for the May 4, 2000, playoff game against the Philadelphia Flyers in which he made 70 saves on 72 shots. The 72nd shot was a goal scored by Keith Primeau of the Flyers at 12:01 of the fifth overtime, winning the game for Philadelphia 2–1, the longest NHL game since the 1930s.
Following his performance with Pittsburgh, Tugnutt became one of the most sought-after free agent goaltenders on the market. Both Ottawa and Pittsburgh attempted to re-sign Tugnutt but were unable to match the lucrative contract offered by the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets.[10][11]
During Columbus' inaugural season, Tugnutt was considered their backbone. Tugnutt's 22 wins broke another NHL record for most wins on an expansion team, and his .917 save percentage was among the best in the league.[12]
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. General Manager Doug MacLean gave Denis the opportunity to be the sole starter on the club, and traded Tugnutt to the Dallas Stars.[13]
In 2002–03 Tugnutt was the backup to Marty Turco. In January 2003, Turco suffered an ankle injury that allowed Tugnutt to start almost 20 straight games, and he posted back to back shutouts during that stretch. For the season, he played 31 games and posted a 15-10-5 record including four shutouts.
The 2003–04 season was possibly Tugnutt's toughest in the NHL, as by 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.[14] Soon after, he was recalled to the Dallas Stars. After two solid starts, one of which was a shutout, Tugnutt received a break when Turco received a four-game suspension.[15] He retired following the 2003–04 season.
Post-retirement
After the lockout, Tugnutt joined CBC as a color commentator for Hockey Night in Canada.[16] From 2008–09 to 2009–10, Tugnutt served as the goaltending coach for the OHL'sOshawa Generals[17] and was a goaltending consultant for the 2010 Canadian World Junior team.[18] Tugnutt's contract with the Generals was not renewed after a major front office shakeup in May 2010.[19] Tugnutt joined the Peterborough Petes coaching staff for the 2010–11 season. Tugnutt was a consultant with Hockey Canada until 2013 when that relationship ended. Tugnutt then moved behind the bench of his sons' team the Kemptville 73's.[9]
Off the ice
Tugnutt is married to Lisa, and the couple have two sons, Jacob and Matthew. The family resides on Stoney Lake near Peterborough, Ontario.
Tugnutt enjoys boating and traveling. In the summer of 1998, Tugnutt was involved in a severe boating accident, and it was suspected that he might miss out on training camp. Tugnutt healed and had the best season of his career, breaking the modern-day NHL record for lowest G.A.A. and coming second in the league in save percentage.[20]
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; March 21, 1991).
Holds Pittsburgh Penguins record for highest save percentage in the playoffs.
Holds NHL record for being the only goaltender to have the first ever wins for 2 expansion teams - Columbus and Anaheim.
International play
After a disappointing 4-game sweep in the NHL playoffs, Tugnutt was more than excited to play for Team Canada in the 1999 World Hockey Championships. 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, also playing for them in 1993.[23]
Traded (with Columbus' 2nd round choice (János Vas) in 2002 Entry Draft) to Dallas for New Jersey's 1st round choice (previously acquired, later traded to Buffalo - Buffalo selected Dan Paille) in 2002 Entry Draft, June 18, 2002.
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