So the big question going into tomorrow afternoon's game is will it be Theo or Varlamov. CSN replayed the Caps/Rangers game last night (not sure why unless it was meant to upset us even more) and I got a chance to see Theo's performance again.
It was uneven at best. The first goal was terrible; however, the next two seemed to be just really great shots that were taken when the Rangers were on a power play. The last one was when Schultz tripped over the blue line and allowed the Ranger come in unmolested. I don't understand the technicalities of hockey goaltending and from what I understand Theo may have been wise to come out from the net some to take down the angles but that also leaves much of the goal exposed behind him for a pass or a rebound.
I am not a huge Theo fan and I expected more from him. Frankly, I was disappointed we weren't able to resign Huet from last year given that he was so instrumental in our road to the playoffs. However, we are what we are and a decision needs to be made on who are goalie will be.
I still say Theo. Much like yanking a QB, you can't take the decision lightly. Theo is a veteran and has been in situations like this before. He has been our #1 all year and deserves the opportunity to get us back on track. The other thing is that it's not like Theo is backed up by Marty Brodeur or someone. He is backed up by a 20 year old kid with 6 NHL games to his name. Everyone loves the backup QB or the backup goalie but there is no guarantee that the backup is going to light it up. I understand that it's a tough predicament but I think the right thing to do is play Theo but keep him on a tight leash. If he struggles early, pull him. I understand this might be more damaging to his psyche than not starting him but it's the playoffs and there isn't time to not perform.
The other things to watch out for is, again, the Sean Avery effect and not allowing him to get to the Caps. No question he will be on the mind of some of the Caps (namely Mike Green who was tripped up by him on the Rangers first goal and checked over the railing by Avery in the game). That is Avery's job and much like Matthew Barnaby and Tie Domi, he does it very well. His pestering and annoyances can take the focus off of players and create scoring chances for his team. We have to be aware of him and what he does and not get caught up in his antics.
One other thing I noticed watching the game was how poorly we were passing the puck. I haven't seen a Cap game where players were not able to get their passes on to their teammates sticks. The passes were bouncing or at their feet. They were all over the place but the sticks. This takes away from scoring opportunities. Not sure if this was nerves or what but that definitely needs to be corrected.
It's tough because the extra day only gives the players more time to think about the previous game and the series and the importance of winning Game #2. All the pressure is on the Caps. Will be interesting to see how they come out. It's a 2 pm Saturday start on national tv so this will also be interesting to see how the different start time has an effect on the players. It probably takes some of the players out of their routines national tv will only add to the pressure.
Looking forward to the game and all of the games within the game. LETS GO CAPS!!!
2 comments:
Look, it is a no win situation for the coach. If he plays Theo and they lose everyone is crying "Why didn't he play Varlamov?" If he goes the other way then everyone says the opposite.
Here is the way I think about this. Theo is an average goalie. His save percentage is weak, he has had up-and-down streaks, and there is nothing in his resume to make me think he is a championship goalie.
Now I am no expert, but my sense is that it would be a minor miracle for the Caps to make it to the Cup with Theo. That said, Varlamov at least gives you the hope of the unknown.
Game 2 is a perfect time to play him. If you lose and he sucks, you put Theo back in and hope that he has his head on straight. If you play Theo and you lose, you go on the road and basically put a rookie goaltender in a must game situation - I don't like the odds of winning that kind of game.
Wait. It can be a win situation for Boudreau. Let Theo know that he is going to get the nod but that he has to step up his game or a change will take place. Let Simeon know that he may be called upon and when he does that he needs to play like the first round draft pick that he was. No excuses.
Start Theo and if he lets in an easy goal and is shaky, pull him. If Varlamov plays well, great. If he struggles, then we will see that too. The coach basically will have played both goalies in the game and one way or another everyone will see what we have.
Look, the thing here is that Theo is a one time Vezina Trophy winner and I believe league MVP. He has the credentials of a great goalie. Again, I am not a huge fan of his. However, he has always been a #1 goalie. If you bench him, he will be ticked off. He is a competitor and any starter wants to play. I played sports through high school and I know if I was benched, I would be embarrassed and livid unless I thought I couldn't get the job done. How do you think a professional athlete who has always been a starter would react?
Again, it's somwhat like a QB situation. You don't pull the QB for the backup unless you have lost faith in him.
As mentioned, it's one thing if we had a proven goalie as our backup. If it were a Pat Riggin and Al Jensen situation, it would be different. I would be okay with this move if it was Brent Johnson as the backup and Theo would probably be more open to it giving it to a proven veteran. However, handing it over to an unproven 20 year old with 6 NHL games under his belt would be hard to swallow. I know this isn't the time for egoes and if Theo doesn't perform, yank him but at this point, I don't think you do that.
I would like nothing more than Varlamov to be the second coming of Olie but I don't think it is time to hang it up on Theo.
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