R.I.P. Hockey Hall of Famer Tony Esposito

Tony Esposito, a Hockey Hall of Famer and three time Vezina Trophy winning goalie for the Chicago Blackhawks, died of pancreatic cancer on August 10th at the age of 78.

Esposito began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, playing in 13 games during the 1968-69 season. The Blackhawks picked him up from Montreal on waivers (referred to as an intraleague draft back then) following that, and he exploded on the scene in the ’69-’70 season with Chicago, winning a league leading 38 games; he also led the league in shutouts (15) and save percentage (.932). Esposito won the Calder Trophy (the NHL Rookie of the Year) and the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender). He was 11-7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that year, with a pair of shutouts, a 2.20 goals against average, and .928 save percentage. The Blackhawks lost the Finals to Montreal in seven games, which was the closest Esposito came to being on a Stanley Cup winner.

Esposito would win the Vezina Trophy two more times. In 1971-2, he was 31-10 and led the league with nine shutouts, a .934 save percentage and a 1.77 goals against average. He won the Vezina for the third time two years later. He retired after the 1983-84 season. Esposito had a lifetime record of 418-302-148, a .906 save percentage, a 2.93 goals against average, and 74 shutouts. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. Tony is the brother of Phil Esposito, a Hall of Fame center.