Player: Tony Esposito
Position: Goalie
Set: 1969-70 O-Pee-Chee
Card Number: 138
Why is These Cards are Must Have?: There are quite a few good goalies to have played the game, but Tony was one of the best. In his 16 seasons, he won the Calder Cup (rookie of the year) and three Vezina Trophies (best goalie). He is seventh all time in wins with 423, third all time in overtime ties with 151,ninth in career shutouts with 76, and had a career goals against average of 2.92. So I guess what I am trying to get across here is that he was one of the best goalies of all time. Being a closet Blackhawk fan, I will always remember him as the greatest goaltender in the history of the organization. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. After retirement, he served as a GM for the Pittsburgh Penguins briefly and as chief scout for his brother’s Tampa Bay Lightening team. Although long since leaving the Lightening, he still remains an ambassador to the game and one of the most popular players in Blackhawks history.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Are These Cards?: A 10, this may be one of the most expensive cards you’ll have to buy, but as one of the top 100 players of all time and a very limited production run will do that. His stature in the game is waht makes this card a must have. You can find these cards for about $70 – 90 on eBay (more if graded).
