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Craig Billington was drafted 23rd overall in the 1984 Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He made his NHL debut one season later on October 26, 1985 and earned the win in the game against the Kings. That season, Craig played 18 games and won four games. In 1986-87, Craig split the season between the Devils (22 games) and the AHL. Over the next three seasons, Craig returned to the AHL for more playing time and was up for just three games in 1988-89. After playing with the national team in 1990-91, Craig played 26 games for the Devils in 1991-92 and won 13 games. On October 28, 1991, Craig posted his first shutout in a win against the Sabres. In 1992-93, Craig split the goaltending duties with Chris Terreri and won 21 games. That year, he played in the mid-season All-Star Game in Montréal (10 saves) and played his first two playoff games.
On June 20, 1993, Craig was traded with Troy Mallette and a draft pick to the Ottawa Senators for Peter Sidorkiewicz (Craig's teammate in the 1993 All-Star Game) and future considerations (Mike Peluso just six days later). In his first season with the Senators, Craig picked up the bulk of the goaltending duties by appearing in 63 games. In the shortened 1994-95 season, Craig split the year between the Senators (nine games) and the Boston Bruins (eight games) after an April 8 trade for an eighth-round draft choice. In 1995-96, Craig played 27 games and earned 10 wins behind goaltending partner Bill Ranford.
On September 5, 1996, Craig signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers. Just over three weeks later (September 30), however, Craig was claimed in the Waiver Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. In 1996-97, Craig played 23 games behind Patrick Roy and helped the team win the Presidents' Trophy. After winning another Pacific Division title in 1997-98, Craig helped the Avalanche win a Northwest Division title in 1998-99. On July 16, 1999, Craig was traded to the Washington Capitals for future considerations. On November 20, Craig earned his 100th career victory (his first with the Capitals) by shutting out the Bruins. That season, Craig helped the Capitals win the Southeast Division title with Vézina Trophy-winning goaltending partner Olaf Kölzig. The following year, Craig played 12 games (2.45 GAA) behind Kölzig and helped the Capitals win their second straight division title.
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