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In his second season, Eddie played 52 games guiding the Hawks to the Stanley
Cup Finals. Eddie repeated as the Vezina Trophy winner and the Jennings Trophy winner in 1992-93, with a 41-18-11 mark and
a 2.59 GAA (Eddie would go on to post much better numbers in the years to follow, only to be snubbed by the league).
In
the 1993-94 season, Eddie played in 70 games raking up 37 wins and 7 shutouts.
During the lock-out shortened 1994-95 season, Eddie played in 42 games,
registering an excellent 2.28 GAA. Eddie also won the Jennings Trophy ans was Runner-up for the Vezina Trophy.
In
the 1995-96 season, Eddie played in 50 games, registering a 2.74 GAA. Tension was reported to have been running high between
Eddie and back-up goalie, Jeff Hackett.
In 1996-97, the tension had increased between the two. Eddie allegedly told
Hackett that he was "nothing more than a backup" and warning Hackett not to associate with him. Eddie has said that the incident
with Hackett was "blown out of proportion" and it was reported via second-hand information. "People who know me, know that
I wouldn't say anything like that." Eddie was later traded to the San Jose Sharks. It would end up being the worst season
of his career.
Eddie signed as a free agent with the Dallas Stars on July 2, 1997.
During the 1997-98 season, Eddie
seemed energized and more focused than ever. He played in 61 games and posted a 37-12-10 record with an incredible 1.88 GAA.
The 1998-99 season would prove to be a milestone for Eddie. The Stars won the Stanley Cup and Eddie soundly defeated
his old back-up from Chicago, Hasek.
The 1999-2000 season was again another spectacular season for the Eagle. The
Stars had been plagued with major injuries all season and seemed to lose their desire to compete and win. Eddie carried his
team all season. The Stars had no business making the playoffs, but Eddie was determined to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals
for a second year in a row!
During the 2000-2001 season Eddie had another 35-win season and a GAA of 2.34. The season
proved to be in turmoil from the start. Coach Hitchcock was bad-mouthing his players to the press every week. Losing became
acceptable in the locker room. The team was not focused on a goal. With Eddie's competitive nature mixed with the attitude
in the locker room and with the coaching staff, something had to give. Eddie left the team on a road trip and flew back to
Dallas. In hindsight, this was probably best for the team, Hitchcock, Gainey, and Eddie. Within a week, the team and Eddie
were together and won the Pacific Division again!
The 2001-2002 season went from bad to worse for Eddie. The Stars'
locker room was a war zone. Hitchcock was fired before the All-Star break and Gainey stepped down as GM on the same day. The
Stars were unable to salvage the season and didn't even make the playoffs. The interim coach, Rick Wilson, didn't allow Eddie
to play in the last home game of the season or during the last game of the season against his #1 rival, the head-bobbing freak
and the AVS. Eddie did manage to become the Stars' winningest goaltender and had a record year for assists.
The Eagle flew to Toronto for the 2002-2003 season. Although the notorious Toronto press was relentless
at the beginning of the season, Eddie soon won the hearts of the fans and the press with his level of committment and performance.
Eddie became the shut out leader and the leader in wins for all active goalies. He also set a team record of 37 wins.
The Eagle also became only the seventh goaltender to win 400 games. Eddie was selected for the All-Star Game and was
nominated for his 4th Vezina Trophy.
During the 2003-2004 season, Eddie was able to cement his place in NHL history with 435 career wins.
Although Eddie was another year older, he was able to have another stellar performance in Toronto. Despite being
out during the month of February, Eddie still had a career-high 10 shutouts during the season. Eddie was also named
on the 2004 World Cup Team!
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