Backup Goalie CONTROVERSY
by Gould Old Days on Apr 8, 2009 8:32 AM EDT
36 comments
I love that the Washington Post's instant reflex is to create a quarterback goalie controversy whenever possible. Last year's Huet-Kolzig-Johnson drama was a dream-come-true for the Post. But it's a little rediculous for Tarik to be fanning the flames on the competition for the backup goalie position for the playoffs, don't you think?
This topic has been discussed at the bottom of this thread, and the consensus seemed pretty straightforward. If healthy, Theo's going to play just about every minute of the playoffs for the Caps. Since there shouldn't be any minutes available in Washington, Varlamov would develop as a player more in Hershey where he'll be playing and helping the Bears try to win a championship of their own. So it's better for the Caps and it's better for Varlamov for him to be in Hershey and for a healthy Brent Johnson to be the game-to-game backup in the NHL.
Now if Theo either gets hurt or falls apart, then maybe you bring Varlamov up and give him a start. But otherwise, no matter how good Semyon's been, it'd be better to have him playing in Hershey than sitting in DC.
I'll even take it a step further. If Johnson isn't ready to play, I'd like to see Varlamov and Neuvirth trade off games in Hershey and DC. That way both of them are playing. Varlamov has obviously proven that he's good enough to be an NHL backup, but I think Neuvirth has as well -- at least for one game if something happens to Theo. So rather than cost either of them an entire playoff series of real experience, it'd be better to shuttle them back and forth.
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Great job Gould. You summed up what I think quite nicely…
I just don’t see any reason to have Varls up here sitting on the bench when he could be getting playoff experience (granted AHL) up in the land of chocolate. I really like your idea of him and Neurvith rotating back and forth to back up Theo.
How do emergency call-ups work in the playoffs?
by Yoshietree on Apr 8, 2009 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I will respectfully disagree here.
Varlamov is a superior G to Neuvirth right now, imo. I’d hate to jeopardize a precious playoff W by inserting Neuvirth as an injury replacement while Varlamov was off getting some seasoning in the “A”.
The odds are that Theo plays every minute of the playoffs. But if he can’t, I want Varlamov ready to take his minutes, all of ’em, rather than Neuvirth.
by fat_daddyo on Apr 8, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m inclined to disagree with this. I think Neuwirth and Varlamov are basically the same talent right now – just Varlamov looks more flashy. The ideal situation is BJ comes back, and back-ups Theo the rest of the way. I don’t think the issue of Varlamov getting seasoning is a problem if BJ is the back up for anyone, and I don’t think we should think different of Neuwirth. I don’t think either of our youngins would lose us a game because they’re not ready for it. They just wouldn’t win one for us.
Either way, having four goalies who are good enough for 3 spots (Counting the AHL starting spot) is a blessing other teams would dream to have. I don’t really see a problem with our goaltending right now.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neuwirth and Varlamov are the same talent? Not.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thtink they’re completely different styles of goalies, but both have considerable promise and will develop differently.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Varlamov looks more flashy
He seems a lot more composed than Neuvirth also. After watching both of them I have more confidence in Varly at this point.
by snowburnt on Apr 8, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have much more confidence in Varlamov right now. At the risk of sounding ridiculous, Neuvirth still seems like a kid, Varlamov seems like a man. And he’s played better for the Caps, though Neuvirth has little to be ashamed about.
by grapejoos on Apr 8, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a hard time watching Varlamov when he’s all over the place like he was in the Buffalo gamee. He came out of the crease too much. My personal preference is Neuvirth for that reason, and I think that Neuvirth should have been given another start after his one bad game.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is definitely a little wild, but he also made a bunch of huge saves last night and several of the goals in the Buffalo game were kind of fluke-y. I think it’s mostly a personal preference at this point, but I just think Varlamov is a little more ready right now and is more likely to be able to start if called upon.
by grapejoos on Apr 8, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now, I’d agree with that. Varlamov is more likely to be ready to start NOW, but I think that if Varlamov doesn’t settle down, I’d take Neuvirth with some seasoning. He certainly gives me less of a heart attack to watch than Varly does, great saves or not – and I’ll give Varlamov some dynamite ones.
Like you said, it’s a matter of personal preference. I have to separate the “ready now” question from the “heart attack question”. Varlamov drives me nuts to watch but is closer than Neuvirth – right now.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He certainly gives me less of a heart attack to watch than Varly does, great saves or not
Who gives you more of a heart attack: Theo or Varly?
I’m going with the former.
by dbfreudber on Apr 9, 2009 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly – Varlamov unless Theo is out of the crease with stick in hand. :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 9, 2009 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree that shuttling Varly and Neuvy back-and-forth is a bad idea; disagree that Varly is superior right now (remains to be seen). I’m on board with the idea of Johnson as emergency in-game fill-in with Varlamov starting the next game if Theo is seriously hurt (the Brunell-Campbell-Collins analogy).
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 8, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remains to be seen? What have you been watching? Varlamov was drafted as a blue chip prospect and nothing has changed. Neuwirth has talent, but the chinks in the armor were quite apparent the last time he was here.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ease up – it’s alright for people to have differing opinions.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and it’s alright to legitimately question them.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“What have you been watching?” isn’t legitimately questioning anything.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remains to be seen — Varlamov played last night.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Varlamov and Neuvirth have provided miniscule samples of what they’re capable of at the NHL level. Despite the numbers, perhaps some people see something in Neuvirth’s and Varly’s respective games that lead them to different conclusions than yours.
Instead of “Remains to be seen? What have you been watching?” (which aren’t questions so much as condemnations), how about “What have you seen that leads you to believe Neuvirth is better right now?”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I stand corrected.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re good, Mac. I just don’t want to see conversations derail (not saying this one did or would have) when there are valid, constructive avenues to pursue. Maybe I jumped the gun, but better safe than Capitals Insider, y’know?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See the discussion above about personal preference. I happen to be one of the people who prefer Varlamov, but as you can see, others think he’s wild and some legitimately think that Neuvirth has the potential to be a better goaltender in the future because of superior positioning. As JP notes, because they’ve both only had a handful of NHL games, I was just saying that it’s a bit premature to declare either one the clearly “superior” backstop. Depending on one’s definition of “blue chip prospect” (they were taken one round apart, after all), I think you could say that the Caps organization thought (thinks?) there would be an open competition for goaltender of the future.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 8, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about using them as a tandem? What do you guys think of the concept of having two completely different styles of goaltender in a tandem and the potential of choosing a starter based on opponents’ tendencies? Does that make any sense or is it stupid?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goalie tandem makes sense to do as a short term thing if you aren’t sure who will be your number one. You let it go for more than a season chances are things will turn sour in the room.
The fact that many of us like both or either guy makes me quite happy. It means we are drafting and developing goaltending depth for the first time since the days of Dafoe and Kolzig. Holtby is coming up behind Neuvirth & Varly.
I’d love for the Caps to be San Jose East. Goalies are like pitchers in baseball, you can never have enough of them. If you have too many in your system you can trade some of them for valuable draft picks.
by CP2Devil on Apr 8, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Varlamov was not drafted as a blue chip prospect. Blue chip prospects don’t make it to 23rd in the draft
by David M. Getz on Apr 9, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gould while I agree on there not really being a controversy if BJ gets healthy.
However, if BJ can’t go I’m not a fan of your trade off idea,. They will wear down from the travel alone much less never feeling comfortable. I understand the point would be to make sure guys are getting plenty of game experience, but I think the minuses for both the players and teams outweigh any potential pluses.
by CP2Devil on Apr 8, 2009 10:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Count me in the group that thinks that Neuvirth doesn’t get enough love.
Tend to agree with this on the whole, though – Johnny is the backup, call Varly or Neuvirth if needed, and leave the other down in Hershey where they can backstop a Calder Cup run for the Bears.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 8, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I also think that shuttling the goalies back and forth is a terrible idea. For the playoffs if we are going with a rookie we should pick one and stick with him. There is no reason to constantly interrupt the rhythm of both goalies throughout both teams’ playoff runs. Let Neuvirth play the Hershey playoffs straight through if we are going to make Varlamov the potential backup.
I agree that Varlamov would probably be better served by playing regularly in the playoffs, but there is another factor that hasn’t been mentioned yet. If Varlamov is going to be the backup he should stay in DC the entire time. This allows him to get more work with Dave Prior, and face more shots from AO, et. al. Playing regularly would help Varlamov but I think working with Dave Prior on his angles, positioning, rebounds, decision making, etc. would be more helpful.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 8, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what's the plan for next year?
If you see Varly being the backup and playing 25-30 games with the outside possibility he could rise to #1 or #1a by next spring, I say why even bother with BJ? So yes, I agree.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Apr 8, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think next year they probably rotate both (current) rookies between the AHL and NHL so that they can both get consistent starts as well as coaching from Dave Prior and schooling from the young guns.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 8, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Johnson is healthy, Varly should be in Hershey to play in the playoffs while Johnny rides the bench. The only minutes Johnny gets are if Theo is hurt in a game or warm up. If Theo is hurt, the Varly becomes an emergency call-up (Strech Leonhardt notwithstading).
If Johnny isn’t ready then things get interesting. Varly could be up here, but he’s still missing minutes of playing that would help his development, ditto for any other goalie up here (Neuvirth, Machesney…). I’d probably want to switch them up at one point, but the problem is that unless it’s an emergency call-up, the Caps can’t shuttle them back and forth. Of course, if Hershey goes out early (hopefully not!) then it’s a moot point.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Apr 8, 2009 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The call-up limit is inapplicable come playoff time, and the goalies have been/are emergency call-ups with Johnson out anyway.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 8, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the limit of 4 non-emergency call-ups continues as long as the team’s affiliate is in the AHL playoffs. I could be wrong though.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Apr 9, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I checked the CBA yesterday and believe it ends with the regular season.
Additionally, since they are replacing BJ on an emergency basis, they can be shuttled/swapped/etc. freely anyway.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 9, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a perfect world, Johnson could get some in-game ice time prior to the playoffs to (1) make sure he’s fully ready to go and (2) dust off any cobwebs.
Besides those concerns, I’m hoping that our backup goalie isn’t even called into question.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 8, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
23 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 31 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
19 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
21 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 22 |
|
Carolina
|
22 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 15 |
(updated 11.22.2009 at 12:47 AM EST)
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