ITEM DESCRIPTION: This practice worn Vaughn V5 7990 goalie blocker was utilized by Jeff Zatkoff with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16. It features excellent wear, and is a beautiful item from the year he won the Stanley Cup. The image is a reference to an identical model blocker he used, it is not the same one as in the picture.
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SHORT BIO: Born on June 9, 1987 in Detroit, Michigan, Jeff Zatkoff was playing for and fresh off of being the NCAA (CCHA)'s champion with the University Miami-Ohio when he was drafted 74th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006. Remaining in the NCAA the next season, he was part of the Team USA World Juniors squad that won a bronze medal in 2007. After a final season in the NCAA, which saw him named the NCAA (CCHA) Goaltender of the Year, Zatkoff turned pro in 2008-09. After four promising seasons in the Kings' system but with no NHL action, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed him to a two year contract in 2012. He was recalled by the Pens in 2012-13, though did not see action that season, however, he did lead the AHL with the best GAA and was named the winner of the Best Goaltending Duo Award.
He made the NHL full-time in 2013-14, and made his NHL debut for the Penguins on October 11, 2013. Facing the Florida Panthers, he stopped 24 shots in a 6-3 loss. He ended up appearing in 20 NHL games that season. Excluding a lone NHL appearance with the Pens, the 2014-15 season saw him return to the AHL, where he appeared in the All-Star Game and won another Best Goaltending Duo Award. In 2015-16, he was back to the NHL, appearing in 14 regular season games with the Pens. In the first round of the playoffs, with both Marc Andre Fleury and Matt Murray injured, Zatkoff got the start in goal for Game One vs the New York Rangers and he stepped to lead to them to a 5-2 win. That performance earned him the nickname "Mr. Game One." After a 4-2 defeat in Game Two, the Pens went with Murray and Fleury for the remainder of the playoffs, ultimately resulting in the team winning the Stanley Cup. Zatkoff's win in Game 1 earned him a Stanley Cup ring, as well as the addition of his name on the Stanley Cup itself. The Kings re-acquired Zatkoff via free agency in 2016-17 and after Jonathan Quick was injured, he got his chance to be a number one goalie. Ultimately, after only 13 games with them, he was unable to thrive despite the opportunity while Peter Budaj excelled and had a brief career resurgence of his own. After a final season in North America in Columbus' system, Zatkoff headed to Germany where he played the final two seasons of his pro career before officially retiring from play in 2020. In his NHL career, Jeff Zatkoff appeared in 48 regular season games, going 18-21-4 with 1 shutout, 1 assist, a 2.72GAA, and a 0.908% save average. He appeared in 2 NHL playoff games, going 1-1 with, a 3.07GAA, and a 0.908% save average. |
YEAR: Circa 2015-16
TEAM: Pittsburgh Penguins GAME WORN? No, practice worn. MANUFACTURER/MODEL: Vaughn ACQUIRED FROM / LOA: Donated to museum by long-time patron, no LOA, but has Double Deke Hockey hologram. DATES OF GAME USE: N/A NOTABLE MOMENTS: N/A PHOTOMATCHED: No. referenced to identical model blocker he used AUTOGRAPHED: No AVAILABILITY: THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE/TRADE/DONATION |
