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Marty Turco always knew he'd be ready when his turn came to be the No. 1 goalie for the Dallas Stars. He responded with an incredible record season.
So how does Turco plan to live up to the standard he set last season with a modern-day NHL record 1.72 goals against average?
He doesn't.
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``That's something I'll never forget. It was a magical season,'' Turco said.
``I won't be breaking any records, but that doesn't mean I can't be a better
goaltender. That's what I'm starting to accomplish right now.''
The former University of Michigan star is driven by the goal of winning a Stanley Cup. That's where Dallas came up short last season. Ticketmaster
The Stars will open the season Wednesday night at home against Anaheim. The Mighty Ducks eliminated top-seeded Dallas last season in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
``It's tough to come of the gate in your first year as starting goalie and put up those type of numbers,'' Stars captain Mike Modano said. ``Anything less, people are going to be wondering what's wrong with Marty. But you just can't copy those type of years.''
Turco's regular season included a 31-10-10 record, a league-best 93.2 save percentage, seven shutouts and his first All-Star game appearance. In the playoffs, he had a 1.88 GAA and 91.9 save percentage.
The end came in the six-game series against Anaheim and Jean-Sebastein Giguere, who had a 1.62 GAA in 21 postseason games and was the NHL's playoff MVP even after the Ducks lost to New Jersey for the Cup. Ticketmaster
``I know I can become a lot better than I have been ... more consistent, a little stronger,'' Turco said. ``That's the focus right now for me, to get better and not to really worry about expectations.''
It's only fitting that Turco and Giguere face each other to start the new season. Both have new contracts and are considered two of the league's best up-and-coming goalies.
Giguere went from making $900,000 last season to a four-year deal worth nearly $20 million. Turco missed the first week of training camp before signing a $12 million, three-year contract, up from $850,000 last season.
Before getting his chance as the starter, Turco spent two seasons behind Eddie Belfour, the quirky goalie who led the Stars to two Stanley Cup finals and one title. Ticketmaster
When Turco's turn came, he was ready.
``Marty is a very driven guy. I expect our team to play well in front of Marty, and I expect that he'll rebound with another great year,'' Tippett said.
While home during the summer, Turco finally had a chance to enjoy his record a little bit.
Turco grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the same hometown as Hall of Famer Tony Esposito, the goalie whose 1.77 GAA during the 1971-72 season had stood as the record before Turco. The two hadn't met before last season's All-Star game.
``Certainly, it's going to be mean a lot more when my career is over, but it did mean a lot to my family and friends this summer, which meant a lot to me,'' Turco said. ``It was a fun experience to have.'' Ticketmaster
Now it's time to start over again.