Scouting Report

Sporting News, The, Dec 15, 2003 by Kara Yorio

MARTY TURCO, G, STARS

5-11, 183 Age: 28

Turco was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season after posting the lowest goals-against average in the league (1.72) since the end of World War II. He started slowly this season after missing part of training camp while negotiating a new contract, but his game has improved recently. He is playing up to expectations again, and Dallas is trying to gain consistency and move up in the Western Conference standings.

STRENGTHS: Turco, who's athletic, is one of the most aggressive and confident puckhandling goaltenders in the league. The risks he takes rarely come back and bite him. He can be an extra defenseman, moving the puck whenever possible. "He is matured; everything has come together for him" a former NHL goaltender says. "He's got a terrific glove hand and has learned to play better low on the ice. And he's a good skater" Turco squares up to shooters and rarely needs to flop or flail about in the crease. And he is willing to protect that crease in physical battles when necessary. He is not rattled by bad games or bad goals. "He's got just the right amount of ego," the former goalie says. Turco also reads the opposition's offensive options well.

WEAKNESSES: Turco tries to do too much at times, particularly this season because there are new defensemen. In addition, the offense has struggled. The former goalie says Turco "has been vulnerable between the pads, but he has gotten better with his new pads this season." In the past, Turco has overplayed shots, moving too too high in the crease, but those tendencies have been seen less. He can be overaggressive playing the puck. A lack of communication with the new defensemen has created difficulties.

SCOUT'S BOTTOM LINE: "He's going to be back at last season's level. He should be a Vezina finalist again."