Quote:
Originally Posted by Jets4Life
You didn't live in Winnipeg in the early 90's. We called him "Red Light Rick." In the 1991-92 season, Bob Essensa had his best season in the NHL. He was a Vezina trophy finalist. So what do the Jets do? They bench Essensa, and give every single start to Tabaracci, who GM Mike Smith thought was a future superstar goalie.
Tabs did well for the first 4 games, as he helped lift the Jets to a 3-1 series lead, before imploding and allowing 20 goals in his last 3 games. Tabs never did live that series down in Winnipeg, and was dealt to Washington.
Surprisingly, he did his best work for the Flames a few years later, but never turned into the superstar goalie Mike Smith had hoped for.
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No, never lived in Winnipeg at any time, and probably never would either. That's nice that you and the local fan base had that nickname for him, but outside of your little bubble it doesn't really stick, nor should it. He was more of a journeyman goalie than anything, but he really did well in Calgary considering the crap he had playing in front of him. Sorry he blew a few games for you guys, but again, nobody cares about the Jets outside of Winnipeg, so I think you need to let it go.
