Theodore Is the Main Squeeze, For Now
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 28, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
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"[I]n training camp I said it was the best I felt since the lockout. Sooner or later, people are going to realize I didn't say that just for fun." - José Théodore post-game last night.
Well it wasn't entirely clear who would be the #1 netminder for the Washington Capitals heading into the 2009-10 season. But at least for now, Théodore est #1 à nouveau!
Théodore is putting up the best GAA (2.47) and SV% (.922) numbers since 2003-04, when he won 33 games for Montréal. Those season-to-date numbers are seventh-best in the league in GAA, and third-best in SV%, for all goalies who have started at least seven games. He's carried the momentum of a sensational training camp into a strong early season performance, punctuated by a brilliant 41-save performance last night at le Centre Verizón. Unlike last autumn, where he didn't really establish himself until shutting out the Canadiens in late November. And, still, #60 won over 30 games in 2008-09.
Whither Semyon Varlamov this season? Thus far, he hasn't exactly looked like the world class 'tender that emerged to pull the Washington Capitals out of the depths of despair last April against the Rangers, and an iron curtain for at least the first three games of the second-round Penguins series. Even though he's earned a 4-0 record.
Besides already noting a propensity to allow goals in bunches, Varly seems to have added, to a troublesome glove hand that dogged him in the Pens series, a greater vulnerability five-hole. To roughly break it down (and to be clear, these are characterizations born from my own observations) -- of the fourteen goals that Varly has allowed this season, four have been to the stick side, four to the glove side (but only two of those were high: one tally by Nashville's Shea Weber and the other by Philadelphia's Mike Richards), and six through the five-hole (or approximately 40%).
But Varlamov's performance last spring was wondrously unexpected, and he's still a 21-year old work-in-progress. So adjustments and small steps backward for greater strides later is exactly what we all should expect at this point. New goaltending coach Arturs Irbe's work with young Varly may be akin to breaking a few eggs now for a delicious omelet by mid-season.
All of this is why the Caps still have a veteran "bridge" in Théodore under contract for this season to steady the ship when the young charge struggles. So everything seems to be going according to plan to date, with the team's goalie of the present and goalie of the future scenario. And should both of them falter, well, Braden Holtby, goalie of the more distant future, is garnering national recognition for his early season play in the Palmetto State, and Michal Neuvirth, who was the Calder Cup playoff MVP last spring, is also a phone call away, though still looking to regain his form.
But could Théodore be more than just a bridge this season? Could he remain this strong in April, May? June? How long can his current success last? He's 2-0-1 / 2.04 / .939 in his last four starts. But we've seen similar stretches of stellar backstopping in his post-lockout career, followed by a return to the average.
- In December of 2006, JT allowed just 11 goals in 5 games, and followed that streak by registering a SV% over .900 in only one game out of the next ten contests, and with a SV% in the .700s in five of those games.
- Théodore followed up a ten start / 2.18 / .919 January last season with an unremarkable ten start / 2.96 /.906 February. (Yet his record in each month was identical: 6-3-1.)
- But his 2007-08 season (his previous contract year, mind you) saw a steady improvement and consistently strong play from January 30 to the end of the regular season, where he allowed three or more GA in consecutive games just once in 27 starts, and allowed two or fewer in 17 of those starts, during that stretch drive to the post-season for Colorado.
For all we know, we could see a complete reversal of fortunes for Théodore and Varlamov by March (or even by next month), with #40 on top and JT wearing the ball cap on the end of the bench. In any event, Coach Bruce Boudreau has the luxury of going with the hot hand. And "the lefty" sure is hot right now.
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I wouldn’t really define Weber’s goal as catchable. 99% of the time that one is in the net just like it was against Varly.
just to follow up on the actual point of this, I don’t care how/why Theo is playing this well, I just hope he keeps it up.
by nuftjedi on Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I meant high enough of a shot to be, theoretically, catchable. But yes, it was a near-unstoppable blast.
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 28, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
This quote from after last night’s game really stood out to me:
“Like I said, in training camp I said it was the best I felt since the lockout. Sooner or later, people are going to realize I didn’t say that just for fun.”
He sounds – and is playing – like someone with a chip on his shoulder, which is good.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Quote is at the top of the post, dear careful reader ;)
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 28, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually posted a comment on that last night as well.
by Carl Putnam on Oct 28, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I know – I was just expanding upon what it meant to me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
not working on Varly so far this year…..
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Oct 28, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
And I don’t know if you saw him when he said it, but suffice it to say, #60 looked rather determined (read:pissed, motivated, focused – all positive) when he said it.
by mechanicsville on Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Like I said, in training camp I said it was the best I felt since the lockout. I have a list of all bloggers who have mocked me. Sooner or later, those bloggers are going to realize I didn’t say that just for fun."
Now that would be one hell of a quote!!! NHL chat rooms and blogs everywhere would explode…
He sounds – and is playing – like someone with achipnew contract on hisshouldermindgrapes, which is good.
Fixed. Too cynical?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 28, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
He sounds – and is playing – like someone with achip new contractrookie spot-stealer on hisshoulder mindgrapesass , which is good.
Fix fix is a fix fix fix.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
He sounds – andBeer isplaying – like someone with a chip onproof thathis shoulder,God loves us, which is good.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 28, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Oh, and putting the accents on “Jose,” “Theodore,” and “Montreal”? Definitely elitist.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 28, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
What were you going for with the à nouveau line? I think the word you’re looking for is encore, as in José Théodore est encore le premier gardien, pour ce moment au moins. (Jose Theodore is once again the primary goaltender, at least for the moment.)
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
I just meant to say that “he’s #1 again,” comme celui-ci.
Or maybe I was just trying to be too cute, like the Caps’ 5-on-3 PP last night.
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 28, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah. It’s a Canadian usage, I guess. I’d never come across that. Très interessant, merci.
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
JT is playing well right now, and better than anyone (except may himself) expected.
The questions on Varly’s play are warranted, but is it the Rink’s opinion that his troubles are based from issues with his ability or just mental (maturity, experience, etc.)? Seems to me that they are of the latter variety and very fixable. He seems to lose focus late in games or unable to shake off that first goal scored against – which leads to the bunches of goals.
by Gin and Tonic on Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Seems like that to me, too (that it’s largely mental).
Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
I think it’s youth and a lack of mental strength/focus that comes with youth. He was so good, so fast, that I think we forget he’s only 21 and still growing into his position. Hopefully he’ll smooth out his game and develop that mental toughness the great goalies have.
Until then, we’re so lucky to have Jose playing the way he is. I’ve always maintained that he’s a better goaltender than people give him credit for, and he’s not giving up that #1 spot easily.
As said by many before – it is a contract year. Losing the number one spot would not be the best position for someone looking for a new gig.
by Gin and Tonic on Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
…only two of those were high and catchable: one tally by Nashville’s Shea Weber…
fail. you do not catch something moving at MACH-6. :-)
Russian Machine Never Breaks
I’ll re-post my reply above:
I meant high enough of a shot to be, theoretically, catchable. But yes, it was a near-unstoppable blast.
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of hot topics...
This does relate to Theo, from the number of times he has been, uh, “interfered” with.
To recap the “toughness” debate, and seeing that we played one of the 3 toughest teams in the East last night, IMO, is signing an enforcer in the cards for Washington as the playoffs approach?
The Caps don't need an enforcer
they need the team to start taking responsibility – clear the front of the net, muck it up in the corners, crash the other team’s net, and get up in arms over cheap shots (i.e. the Islanders game). None of these situations necessarily need someone dropping the gloves in order to send a message.
I think I’d put Theodore in against Atlanta and let Varly have the home start against the Islanders – and for heaven’s sake I hope the boys are willing to flatten anyone who comes near that crease.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
I know I’m not alone when saying that crease-clearing will likely land you an interference penalty, as it did with Schultz last night. It’s a sentiment that sounds great but is theoretically impractical, unless we want to continue the parade to the box.
It has to be more subtle. And done in such a way that you are keeping the defender from screening the goalie whilst avoiding the same for yourself. Mr Erskine, are you listening?
Erskine’s last three games were three of the Caps’ four losses. The team’s 5-0-0 since then. Coincidence? Probably… right?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What a great picture, too. Classic goalie pose. I’d buy a McFarlane of that in an instant (I do have this one… needs updating):
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
D’ailleurs, after careful research, I think the real reason behind le petit roi Theodore’s hot run is because I have been wearing my JT60 shirt while watching these last few games. Que pensez-vous?
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
mon Dieu! That’s ‘wearing my JT60 shirt’…
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
by tuvanhillbilly on Oct 28, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
The ESPN v.o. guy
Can we start a petition to force that guy who does the espn.com highlight reel voiceovers to stop pronouncing his name “Tay-oh-dore?” And while we’re at it, if I hear him pronounce #28’s name “SAY-min” one more time I’m going to flip.
In an interview last night I heard him say something to the effect of, “I know that I can out there and let one or two pucks go by me and these guys will do enough to get the win” (paraphrasing).
This really stood out to me because it shows just how comfortable he is with this team right now.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 28, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions
all things being equal, i would hope this was second language stuff and what he meant was “While i never intend to let any in, I know that 1 or 2 won’t kill me because the team in front of me can light it up.”
Thinking about it, I have to think that being in Washington right now is probably a pretty good gig for an NHL player. You’re playing with some of the brightest talent in the world in the Young Guns, the players are (reportedly) cool people, you have fans who can and do rock the joint for you.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Sounds like what the newer additions to the team – B-Mo and Knuble – were saying. Regardless of how much they were toeing the team line, it feels good, doesn’t it?
by mercurialwinger on Oct 28, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If we are going to seriously challenge for the cup this year, we need Theo be be great. History is pretty clear on this: Rookie goaltenders dont win Cups, at least not very often.
Jose looks like he could be in this for the long haul this year…much more confident. Given what has happened to him in the last year, it’s great to see.
Varly needs seasoning. He’s not ready to be an everyday NHL goaltender, and at 21, he should be playing, a lot, for someone. I’m not sure what the solution is that would get him playing time, but I think he needs to be in Hershey for much of this season. Maybe it would be possible to do a rotation at the #2 goalie spot, with Varly, Neuvirth, and Holtby each getting some time in the show, while the other guys get experience in the minors.
I think Varly is right where he needs to be at least for now. He is getting plenty of personal coaching from Irbe which right now I feel is the most important thing for his development. He’s an example of a guy who got by on athleticism early in his career and it comes back to bite him later. He needs 1 on1 coaching right now.
While Varly has been letting in softies, his overplaying the puck has significantly decreased in his last 2 starts. B He’s trying it integrate a better glove work, positioning, and mental focus into his game all at once. It will take some time. Luckily the the guys play well in front of him regardless of his play, so I’m not all that concerned. If he’s still a bit of a mess 30-40 games from now then I look at Holtby & Neuvy. I suspect you’ll continue to see growth and he’ll improve as the season progresses.
While Varly has been letting in softies, his overplaying the puck has significantly decreased in his last 2 starts.
Now that you mention it, he has been more “quiet” in his last couple of starts. Relying more on positioning and less on athleticism than before (though nobody would mistake him for Neuvirth). That is a positive development.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 28, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it time to switch their numbers to 80/20?
instead of 60/40
Your favorite meme is dead
by Edanger6 on Oct 28, 2009 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
I believe that Leonhardt and Aucoin would object…
(just kidding).
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 28, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d even with no avatar.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 29, 2009 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions
2 goalies for the playoffs?
I know this idea seems to be highly disliked but why not continue to share the load between Varly and Theo all throughout the season and into the playoffs?
Varly seems to tire out after a few consecutive games and that concerns me if we have to go to any more 7 game playoff series and BB chooses him as our backstop.
While Theo has shown that he can be inconsistent, but also amazing at times.
If they continue to play well while still alternating every few games it should work just as well in the playoffs.
To roughly break it down (and to be clear, these are characterizations born from my own observations) — of the fourteen goals that Varly has allowed this season, four have been to the stick side, four to the glove side (but only two of those were high: one tally by Nashville’s Shea Weber and the other by Philadelphia’s Mike Richards), and six through the five-hole (or approximately 40%).
I’m confused. I thought every goal went “seven hole”. Or do you mean to tell me Craig Laughlin is mistaken?
No, only his keen eye can discern those.
by Stephen Pepper on Oct 29, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
50 | 24 | 15 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
51 | 27 | 20 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
53 | 24 | 23 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
50 | 22 | 23 | 5 | 49 |
|
Carolina
|
53 | 19 | 25 | 9 | 47 |
(updated 2.4.2012 at 6:07 PM EST)
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