Between the Pipes: A Look Back at the Dynamic Play of Rick Tabaracci
If you watched hockey in the early-1990s, you remember the "battlers" in the crease—goalies who treated the crease like a mosh pit. Before giant pads and robotic positioning, Rick Tabaracci was the gold standard for that high-adrenaline style. Tabaracci was an instinctive athlete who didn't just stop pucks; he outworked them.
Cool Fact: Some of my favourite hockey cards—collected throughout my childhood—are Rick Tabaracci hockey cards.
Winning Over the Winnipeg Crowd
Tabaracci’s career caught fire when he joined the Winnipeg Jets. In a city that loves an underdog, his "never-say-die" attitude was an immediate hit. While he primarily shared the workload in the Jets’ crease with Bob Essensa, Tabaracci frequently jumped in to spark the roster. He wasn't the type to sit deep in his net; he acted like a third defenseman (collecting 8 NHL assists), clearing his own rebounds and challenging shooters at the very top of the paint.
Cool Fact: Tabaracci’s symmetrical milestones—he earned his first NHL win (1990) and first shutout (1991) against the same team: Quebec Nordiques.
A Career of True Resilience
Throughout his NHL career, Tabaracci became a respected veteran, suiting up for seven franchises. Drafted #26 overall (in Round 2) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, Tabaracci played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers, and Colorado Avalanche.
In the end, he played in 286 NHL games and earned 93 wins, while posting 15 shutouts and a .893 save percentage.
Cool Fact: In 1982, Rick Tabaracci played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Toronto Young Nationals.
Bringing Home the Gold
Some of Rick Tabaracci’s best work happened on the international stage. He represented Team Canada three times at the IIHF World Championships. In 1997, he helped Team Canada clinch the Gold Medal.
The Tabaracci Legacy
Tabaracci’s career represents the heart of 1990s hockey. He didn't just stand in net and let the puck hit him; he fought for every square inch of the crease.
Cool Fact: The Columbus Blue Jackets selected Rick Tabaracci with the 1st pick in the expansion draft.
For fans who remember Rick Tabaracci stopping pucks in the NHL crease, we can all agree that he remains a symbol of pure, relentless effort.