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Thursday, November 25, 1999
Tugnutt shows 'em
Senators goalie quieting doubters with solid play
ATLANTA -- Ron Tugnutt has heard the criticism, the talk he hasn't got what it takes to get to the next level.
But this is the season he proves his detractors all wrong.
As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Tugnutt will be able to write his own ticket next summer and it'll be much easier to get a contract with a solid year under his belt.
And while he knows he could cash in next summer, a new rich contract isn't the driving force behind what makes the Senators goaltender tick. Instead, he wants to show everybody he's a winner.
"That's what I wanted to do this year (show everybody he's a No. 1)," said Tugnutt, prior to last night's three-hour flight here. "I feel strong and I know that I can play better than I have. That's important. I want to improve as the season goes on. I want to play more games and I want to be a quality goaltender for this team."
He missed most of training camp as the result of a knee injury he suffered in the off-season, but it hasn't seemed to slow Tugnutt. His numbers are a little higher than last year, yet there is no reason for concern.
Given the chance to take the No. 1 job after Damian Rhodes was traded to the expansion Thrashers, Tugnutt has seized the opportunity. In 14 games, he has a solid 2.04 goals-against average with a 7-5-1-1 record.
Tugnutt has been pushed by backup Patrick Lalime, who has also performed well in his nine starts. But coach Jacques Martin has made it pretty clear he's going to give his veteran a chance to carry the ball.
That's really all Tugnutt wants.
"I feel pretty strong and I feel like I'm getting into better shape. That's helped my game a lot," said Tugnutt. "I think missing training camp hurt me a bit and it got me behind when I started the season.
"I got off to a slow start because I wasn't feeling as ready to go as I should have been. I've been feeling better more and more as the season goes on. I know we're going through tough times right now, but the way I look at it is that it's better to go through this stuff early in the season. You don't want this to happen later on."
With four losses in their last five games, the Senators would like to get back on track tonight against the Thrashers. Still, Martin has no complaints about the play of Lalime and Tugnutt.
Putting the puck in the net has been the problem. Keeping it out hasn't been a major headache.
"I've been pleased with the play of both of our goaltenders," said Martin. "I think Tugger has done a good job for us. He's made some key saves when we've needed him and I'd say the same thing goes for Patrick Lalime. Our goaltending has been good."
Making $850,000 in the final year of his contract, Tugnutt and his agent Pat Morris haven't had any discussions with the Senators about a new deal for next year. Yes, they would be willing to listen.
Based on his numbers and performance here in the last three years, Tugnutt could be in for a big increase on the open market. It's believed he could command at least $2 million US next summer.
Senators GM Marshall Johnston would be well-advised to lock Tugnutt up on a long-term deal, especially with the club thin in goaltending at the moment. Mike Fountain, Jani Hurme and Mathieu Chouinard are not ready for prime time.
"I don't worry about the contract because that's not the motivating factor to have success and there haven't been any discussions," said Tugnutt. "I'm here and I'm honouring the final year of my contract. I'm not worried about it.
"The big thing for me is just to have good games and the contract will take care of itself."
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