Tomas Vokoun, a Czech-born goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Vokoun's career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned over a decade and a half, during which he became known for his consistent and reliable presence between the pipes.
Vokoun's NHL debut came with the Canadiens, but his time in Montreal was brief. He played only one game for the team before being claimed by the Nashville Predators in the 1998 NHL Expansion Draft. It was with the Predators that Vokoun found his footing in the league. Over the course of eight seasons with Nashville, he established himself as the team's starting goaltender. Vokoun's tenure with the Predators was marked by his ability to handle a heavy workload, often ranking among the league leaders in games played and shots faced.
In Nashville, Vokoun's performance was instrumental in helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history during the 2003-2004 season. His efforts in goal were a cornerstone for the Predators as they became a more competitive team in the Western Conference. Vokoun's time with Nashville came to an end in 2007 when he was traded to the Florida Panthers.
With the Panthers, Vokoun continued to demonstrate his skills as a top-tier goaltender. Despite the team's struggles to make the playoffs, Vokoun consistently posted strong individual statistics, including impressive save percentages and goals-against averages. His ability to perform at a high level, even when facing a high volume of shots, earned him respect around the league.
In 2011, Vokoun signed with the Washington Capitals, where he played for one season. His stint with the Capitals was highlighted by his solid play, contributing to the team's success in the regular season. However, injuries limited his appearances, and he moved on to the Pittsburgh Penguins the following year.
Vokoun's time with the Penguins was marked by a memorable playoff run in 2013. After taking over the starting role during the postseason, he helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. His performance in the playoffs was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Internationally, Vokoun represented the Czech Republic in several tournaments, including the Winter Olympics and the IIHF World Championships. He was part of the Czech team that won the gold medal at the 2010 World Championships, further cementing his reputation as a reliable goaltender on the international stage.
Throughout his career, Vokoun was known for his technical proficiency and calm demeanor in net.
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