Boudreau said he didn’t pull Theodore because "you never want to look like you’re panicking and...

Boudreau said he didn’t pull Theodore because "you never want to look like you’re panicking and that’s what that would have looked like," but the coach didn’t rule out playing rookie Simeon Varlamov in Game 2 on Saturday—a stunning admission considering that Varlamov has played in only six career NHL games. "There’s a chance anything could happen," Boudreau said. "When you lose, you make changes."

- AP

about 3 years ago J.P. 18 comments 0 recs |

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I would not sit Theodore on Saturday, but if he has another game like last night he should be getting the hook.

by Moonage Daydream on Apr 16, 2009 7:02 AM EDT reply actions

Theo wasn’t good, but he wasn’t the reason they lost either. Pulling him would have done more damage then good.

by Sct112 on Apr 16, 2009 7:43 AM EDT reply actions

I think it means that Theo’s got a quick hook on Saturday…

Caps get down two early, here comes Varly.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 16, 2009 8:08 AM EDT reply actions

Waiting till then may be too late. Losing Games 1 and 2 at home due to lackluster goal-tending, putting in the untested rookie, and traveling to MSG isn’t a recipe for success

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by Mike @ MHH on Apr 16, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

In general, Theo has been good for a big save or two during a game, particularly when he lets in a marginal or bad goal.

We did not get the big save, unfortunately.

But he’s shown the ability to bounce back before, so I’m betting he’ll bounce back again.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 16, 2009 8:08 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn’t have expected Varly to come into play into this series and I think that if he does, you guys just may be sunk.

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by Zachary Zielonka on Apr 16, 2009 8:23 AM EDT reply actions

I agree

I’ve seen every game Varly has started (including one in person, directly behind him), and while he has been good, he is still very green. I think Theo is the best chance to win (as much as I hate to say that). Varly has the making of a good goalie, but still has a problem with rebound control. Also, he is vulnerable on the stick side. This is usually the case with most Russian-trained goalies. The CAPS just need the D to play average to win. Schultz should be on a short leash, with Pothier as his replacement.

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by The Admiral on Apr 16, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

but still has a problem with rebound control. Also, he is vulnerable on the stick side. This is usually the case with most Russian-trained goalies.

Theo got beat glove twice, stick once, and through his body. He also had a ton of terrible rebounds. At least Varlamov challenges shooters.

by Rob Parker on Apr 16, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree, but I really think the pressure might get to him. I think you go with experience. I guess we’ll see if Theo plays bad in the first period of game 2, he’ll get the axe.

Windy City Hockey

by The Admiral on Apr 16, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t see how you play 82 games and then panic after one game in the playoffs. Hard especially when Plan B is a guy with six NHL games (then again, Ken Dryden…).

Look, Huet was terrible last year in two of the first three games and was 1-3 through four with the sentimental, proven veteran as an option, and Bruce didn’t flinch. I’d be surprised if he did now. Throw in the fact that you’ve got another year of Jose left AND making the switch lets everyone else off the hook for last night (some of whom don’t deserve to be let off the hook), and he’s the guy. At least until he’s proven that he’s not for more than two periods.

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by J.P. on Apr 16, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs

I agree (rec’d). Jose has shown that his play is closely correlated to his confidence level. With the media buzzing for two days over “will he or won’t he,” Bruce sticking with him and making a strong statement could do wonders for Theo and he could play lights-out for the rest of the series. [fingers crossed]

by Scott in Shaw on Apr 16, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree

It’s a weird statement because I am not sure if Theodore responds well to pressure. That sounded more like it came from Ron Wilson than Bruce Boudreau.

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by PPP on Apr 16, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Theo, meet the under-carriage of a bus, because you've just been thrown under it.

I don’t blame Theo. Some were soft, but most of those goals were opportunities the Rangers should not have had. Whether it was due to bad penalties, bad officiating, or bad plays by the D in front of him, it should not have happened.

by Ovechwin on Apr 16, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

HAH!

The first goal was a laugher. It was just one of those times when the forward is waiting for the line change to be completed, and he shoots b/c he has no other recourse.

Antropov’s shot was also a joke. Theo saw it all the way, and still let it in. The goal in which he was screened was the only legit goal the Rangers got last night. I hope Theo rebounds.

Windy City Hockey

by The Admiral on Apr 16, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Antropov’s shot was a snipe job. It’s hard to make a save when a player with a good shot is allowed to come down to the face-off dot unmolested.

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by PPP on Apr 16, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah. That’s the only one I don’t hold against him. Naslund made a good shot too but Theo needs to come up with a save there. 1 and 4 were garbage.

by Rob Parker on Apr 16, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I can live with 2 and 3 as long as 1 and 4 get stopped (or at the very least, stop one of them and make the shooter make a better play).

by grapejoos on Apr 16, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I do blame Theo (his positioning was absolutely atrocious, he had to stop 2 of those goals, several low-percentage shots hit the posts, and there were several loose pucks behind him), but I’m not ready to bury him just yet. He’s earned another chance, and I have confidence that he can bounce back. He needs to have a good game 2, because I can hear MSG heckling him already.

by grapejoos on Apr 16, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions