New Mr. Zero!

By Star Wire Services The Windsor Star (Windsor, Ontario, Canada)

When Tony Esposito says thank you, he does it with feeling.

Esposito was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks from the Montreal roster last summer, and his only goal at the start of the new season was to prove he belonged in the National Hockey League.

“I knew I wouldn't be protected by Montreal,” he said. “I didn't know where I was going, but I wanted it to be some place where I'd get the chance to play. Billy Reay gave me the chance, and when a guy expresses confidence in you, you can't let him down.”

Tony expressed his gratitude once again Sunday night, registering a record 15th shutout as Chicago whipped the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-0, to climb into a first-place tie with Boston in the East Division.

Esposito kicked away 23 shots to rack up his third shutout in the last four games. He already has surpassed the modem NHL record of 13 blanks for a season.