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Thursday, October 28, 1999
Tugnutt having the time of his life
At 32, the Ottawa Senators goalie is playing some of his best hockey and is loving every minute of it.
Despite missing training camp and the pre-season with a left knee strain, Tugnutt has rebounded to find himself playing very well, but he still sees room for improvement.
"I think (missing training camp) still has an effect on me," says Tugnutt. "I'm fortunate the team has played well when I didn't feel so sharp."
While Tugnutt was able to maintain his physical workouts, the biggest obstacle was finding his timing when he returned to the game.
"The puck seems so fast at first," he said. "I felt clumsy instead of agile. Usually my balance is pretty good and I can bounce around, but I was tripping over my own feet."
Tugnutt might feel like he's still a few weeks away from being back at top form, but his numbers prove otherwise.
SECOND IN LEAGUE
In six games, Tugnutt has compiled a 4-0-1 record with one shutout and a 1.73 goals-against average, good enough for second in the league. Detroit's Chris Osgood leads all goalies with his 1.44 GAA.
"I think we're far enough into the season that his missing training camp has little effect," said Sens goalie coach Phil Myre. "I think Ron's confidence is much better (than in the past)."
Tugnutt is the first to agree that playing with the Senators and working with Myre over the last three years has been incredibly beneficial to his self-confidence.
"I feel like my game has improved so much over three years," said Tugnutt. "I have to give Phil (Myre) a lot of credit. He's brought things to my attention, small details that make a big difference."
Some of those details include working on deflections, squaring up to the puck and his short game.
"When Ron first got here, he was more of a reflex and quickness kind of goalie," Myre said. "Now he's more of a positional goalie. He can let the puck hit him and react. He's more under control."
Hard work has definitely led to Tugnutt's success, but he also believes his maturity as a player has contributed to his evolution.
"It has to do with coming of age," he added. "I'm able to prepare so much better and focus."
To prepare for tonight's game against the Calgary Flames, Tugnutt says he needs to get his mind prepared. Like many players, Tugnutt has a ritual for game day, but makes sure to work on his focus.
"I pick a target and see how quick I can see it," he said.
MAINTAINS BALANCE
While many players find it difficult to leave the game at the rink, Tugnutt says he's found a happy medium.
"I try to leave it behind when things aren't so good," Tugnutt said. "I don't think it's fair to be cranky and take it out on them.
"But when things are good, of course I want to share it with them."
These days, the Tugnutt household is a great place to be and Tugnutt doesn't plan on letting anything spoil the mood.
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