The Hockey Legacy of Tomas Vokoun
Growing up in post-Cold War Czechoslovakia, Tomas Vokoun’s first encounters with hockey were anything but glamorous. Skating on frozen ponds with hand-me-down gear, he developed a raw, instinctive style that later baffled NHL shooters. His breakout moment came in 1994 when he backstopped HC Kladno to a surprise playoff run, his acrobatic saves earning him a draft spot with the Montreal Canadiens. Few could’ve predicted then that this lanky teen would become a brick wall for some of the NHL’s most offensively challenged teams.
Vokoun’s prime years with the Nashville Predators were a masterclass in underappreciated excellence. Night after night, he faced barrages of shots—once making 52 saves against Detroit in 2004, a game fans still call 'The Vokoun Miracle.' His move to Florida in 2007 turned him into a cult hero; Panthers fans adored his 'Bank Vault' celebrations after shutouts, where he’d pretend to lock an imaginary door. The 2011 playoffs with Washington showcased his veteran savvy, including a 42-save OT thriller against Boston where he sprawled like a human octopus to rob Patrice Bergeron.
Retirement didn’t dim Vokoun’s impact. As a mentor for young Czech goalies, he’s known for his 'no-fluff' coaching style—once telling a prospect, 'Glove saves don’t need to be pretty, just faster than the puck.' His 2003 gold medal with the Czech Republic at the World Championships remains a national treasure, with his semifinal shootout stop against Mats Sundin still replayed on Czech sports networks every anniversary.
- The Draft Day Steal: Selected 226th overall in 1994, the lowest-drafted goalie to later record 300+ NHL wins.
- Nashville’s Savior: Posted a .923 save percentage in 2003-04 despite the Predators allowing 33+ shots per game.
- Panthers’ Ironman: Started 27 consecutive games in 2007-08, including a 5-0 shutout streak that broke a franchise record.
- Blood-and-Guts Moment: Finished a 2009 game against Montreal after taking a slapshot to the throat, his neck swollen like a bullfrog’s.
- Playoff Redemption: At age 36 with Pittsburgh in 2013, he became the oldest goalie to record a postseason shutout for the franchise.
- The Glove Heard ‘Round Prague: His 2002 World Championship save on Joe Thornton’s breakaway sparked a Czech rally.
- Stat Oddity: One of three goalies in NHL history with 50+ shutouts but no Vezina Trophy.