2008-09 Rink Wrap: Simeon Varlamov
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in Rink Wraps
82 comments
From Alzner to Varlamov, we're taking a look at and grading the 2008-09 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Caps for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2009-10. Last up (sorta), Simeon Varlamov.
Simeon Varlamov
#40 / Goalie / Washington Capitals
6-1
183
Apr 27, 1988
1
$821,667 cap hit in 2009-10; RFA after 2010-11 season
N/A
Key Stats: In his first eight starts of the playoffs, Varlamov was 6-2 with a 1.51 goals against average and .945 save percentage.
Interesting Stat: Varlamov played in more combined regular season and playoff games (60) in the RSL last season than Jose Theodore played in the NHL this season (59).
The Good: Varlamov made his NHL debut on December 13 in Montreal (on Hockey Night in Canada) and stopped 32 of 33 Habs shots en route to a 2-1 win. He followed up that effort with a 4-2, 29-save win over St. Louis and a demotion to Hershey (where, incidentally, he went 19-7-1/2.40/.916 on the year), and would re-appear in D.C. in mid-March to finish out the season with a 2-0-1/2.87/.895 stretch (comprised of two good games and a stinker).
Despite good regular season numbers and an impressive pedigree, Varly was still a relative unknown (and the source of baseless ridicule) heading into the post-season, and a player who didn't figure to see much, if any, ice time. But neither his anonymity nor his back-up status would last long, as Varly became a household name soon after relieving Jose Theodore to start Game 2 of the first round series against the Rangers. The young Russian (who turned 21-years-old during the series) dropped that first game, but showed both skill and poise, neither of which deserted him for the remainder of the series, as he'd rally the Caps to a stunning come-from-behind series win after falling behind 2-0 and 3-1. His numbers for the series? 4-2/1.17/.952 with two shutouts, becoming the first Caps' netminder (and second ever) to have two shutouts in a playoff series since Olie Kolzig did it back in 1998.
Varly's hot streak continued for a few more games, as he opened the Penguins series with 33- and 34-save home wins and then gave the Caps a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead on the eventual Stanley Cup Champions in Pittsburgh by stopping 32 of 34 shots through regulation (his counterpart, Marc-Andre Fleury, had made 16 stops on just 18 shots at the other end over the same sixty-minute stretch). But, eleven minutes into overtime, a Kris Letang shot from the point deflected off of Shaone Morrisonn and past Varlamov and, well, that was the beginning of the end.
But before we move on, this was pretty damn good, too:
The Bad: At times, Varly's concentration seemed to wander (see Chris Drury's Game 3 softy), and his occasional nonchallance with the glove was perhaps ominous foreshadowing of what was to come. Varlamov showed signs of both mental and physical fatigue as the playoffs wore on, and he admitted as much, even before the numbers started to show it.
But to chalk up the way Varlamov's post-season ended (1-3/4.88/.869 in his last four games) to a lack of endurance may be to excuse flaws in his game (namely his glove hand and his tendency to be overly aggressive at times) and the simple fact that Varly was no longer an unknown. Much like a rookie pitcher who mows down an opposing lineup the first time through the order but gets roughed up the second and third times facing the same hitters, teams have now gone to school on Varly - next year, he won't be catching many teams by surprise.
Finally, Varlamov sustained a knee injury in January that cost him more than a month. This, less than a year after a somewhat significant ankle injury, raises additional concerns about his durability.
The Vote: Rate Varlamov below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
The Discussion: How much can realistically be expected of Varlamov in 2009-10? What would it take for him to earn a 10 next season?
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8
He was the reason we even got to the second round of the playoffs. He kept us in the Pens series when it seemed like no one else had shown up. I gave him an 8…only a cup would have merited a 10 for me. My hope (and I’m keeping my fingers crossed) is that he (or Neuvy) really is the elite level goalie talent this team needs.
by radhghlndr on Jun 23, 2009 7:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully the book on him hasn’t been figured out so soon. I’d hope for numbers better than 2.50/.910 for a 10.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 23, 2009 7:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A 10 for this year for Varlamov would have been a successful transition in the AHL to the North American game. A winning record, positioning Hershey for the playoffs. On the absolute top end, if enough promise is shown, maybe he might get a start or 2 with Washington just to dip his toes into the NHL and get a status check.
Oh, he did that? And he won in his status checks? And he came up because of injury and backstopped Jose in Washington for the end of the season? Way above a 10. Took over the starting role in the playoffs and carried the Caps to the brink of the conference finals? That is off the charts.
In the best case scenario for Varlamov this year, nobody projected him in a Caps uniform in the playoffs. People might have expected Theodore to shit the bed, but Varlamov wouldn’t have been the pick to play in his stead. This guy absolutely blew any projections on him out of the water.
A 10 next year for Varlamov is kinda hard to call, since he is still a developing talent, just now with huge expectations. For me, a healthy (no serious injury) year, 50 starts, works on rebound control, controling hard arounds, and better positioning, all while not allowing the caps to fall below 4th in the east heading into the playoffs.
On a side note, I don’t remember if I read this article on a redirect from here or not, but thought it pertained mightily to Varlamov’s style.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/david_epstein/03/18/butterfly.hip.injuries/index.html
Varly is so explosive, the Caps should probably have a look at his hips and make sure that they are perfectly round, etc… before there is any chance of serious damage if they aren’t. He goes to his knees so powerfully and fast, would hate to see an early end to a career for something so fixable.
by HateOffSeason on Jun 23, 2009 7:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On a side note, I don’t remember if I read this article on a redirect from here or not, but thought it pertained mightily to Varlamov’s style.
You might have – macvechkin posted it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks JP. Was hard enough just finding that article again…we technicologically challenged people can’t even find the right keywords for a good search, and didn’t want to ignore what I was sure was someone elses contribution.
by HateOffSeason on Jun 23, 2009 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you
My first and only 10 this year. I expected Czarlamov to spend the year in Hershey. Instead? He came in and dazzled, backstopping the Caps to a unbelievable first round comeback and what could have been an appearance in the conference finals if a few pucks had bounced the other way. Relative to expectations, this was about as best as could be expected.
by Scott in Shaw on Jun 23, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
10
No question – my second 10 of the year (who else?) Being in St. Louis, I get to the Capital Centre, uh, USAir Arena, MCI Center?, Verizon Center once in a blue moon, and this year, my only visit was Game 2 against the Rangers.
I will never forget the chills when we saw Varly skate off after warmups and the buzz around the crowd begin to grow that he was actually starting. The ovation when he was introduced was deafening, and to only concede the one goal (which he had no hope of stopping), was magnificent.
To get a 10 next season, he’ll have to win the starting job out of camp and lead the team to another division title, and win at least one playoff series. As far as stats, I expect some backsliding but would be pleased with a save percentage around .910 and a GAA in the mid-2s.
by STLEdge on Jun 23, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Precisely
Since I didn’t expect much from him this year, other than to not embarrass himself during an injury-necessitated call-up, then his playoff-saving performance equals an easy 10.
Plus I will always love him because of his own reaction to his NHL debut in Montreal. After three periods of keyed-up concentration and an unblinking glare, he heard that final buzzer and toppled slowly to the ice in adolescent relief.
by CapitalCentre on Jun 23, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Didn’t expect to see him at all so based upon his numbers and playoff success under VERY tough circumstances, gave him a 9
2) To get a 10 next season he’d have to win the starters role in camp. Start 50-60 games, winning 40+ of them with a GAA under 2.30 and a save % above .920
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on Jun 23, 2009 7:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d suggest those might be slightly unrealistic expectations. Consider that Ward and Fleury both struggled in their first full year as starters, and Nabokov, Lundqvist and Backstrom didn’t come over here and start playing in the NHL until they were 23, 24 and 28, respectively.
That said, since we’re in some new territory here and all, I’d love to be wrong and see a precedent established.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 23, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Perhaps a bit high in the stats category BP, but you’d have to agree to get a 10 he’d have to be the Cap’s starting goalie next season, and as such would have to win a good % of those games to be considered a success.
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on Jun 23, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, but I’m not about to set his bar at the 3rd best GAA or the 5th best SV% of this past regular season either. I’m more concerned that he just plays his game and adjusts quickly and accordingly when/if shooters figure out what to do with him.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 23, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that’s what he’d have to do to get a 10. I don’t think that’s where the bar is set—the bar is a 5 or a 6, right?
by bilspacecadet on Jun 24, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s set the bar high for himself.
My expectations for him this year were to battle Neuvy in Hershey for the right to be the first goalie recalled to the Caps. He got my only 10 of the year, as my expectations were way below 2-playoff shutout+series win+strong showing against the best two hockey players not named Ovechkin and Semin.
Now that the series is over, I’m more concerned, and this is where setting my expectations for next year may ruffle some feathers. I am very worried, as mentioned above, that the book IS out on him and I can’t imagine we will see him dominate the regular season like he was the Rangers in the playoffs. Remember, it’s not like the Rangers are an offensively talented team.
Do I expect him to play better than JT? At times, but I’m concerned that his weakness are easier to exploit now that the league is ready for him. I think trading away or buying out JT’s contract for this season could be a big mistake until we’re sure he’s made improvements to his game and is ready to be our #1 guy. Like I said in the previous rink wrap, JT’s value to this team will come February, at the trade deadline… Not at the draft/off-season.
As much as we liked watching the JT/BJ tandem last year, just think how much better the JT/SV tandem will be this year.
by FFSEnough on Jun 23, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on just about everything. Expectation for this past year — nothing. I expected him to spend the year in Hershey. I suppose it should have been realistic to expect at least a short call up; assuming that neither of your goalies gets hurt during the year is silly, but I would probably have assumed a call up meant sitting on the bench for a few games, not actually playing.
He gets a nine. The only reason I’m not giving him a ten is the injury bug. While that wasn’t an issue during his short time in DC, it was in Hershey, and it only gets magnified in the bigs. So, we’ll wait and see.
Yes, there’s some book on him now, but it’s not like teams couldn’t get video from the games in Hershey (I think). But they got caught off guard when he was suddenly inserted into the series against the Rangers. The Penguins certainly figured him out soon enough. So now he and the team know what needs to be worked on.
If he wins the starting job and performs well (and stays healthy), then that’s probably worth a ten for next year. There’s raised expectations now.
by gfcaps fan on Jun 23, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
solid 8
what can you say? the kid was sick for someone so young and inexperienced.
Next year:
Play ~50 games
Improve conditioning
Match, at worst, or best Jose’s ‘08-’09 numbers
Go back to the white mask
by ns on Jun 23, 2009 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go back to the white mask
Yes! For whatever reason, I’ve always loved the plain white mask- I’ve never painted my mask, and all my pads are plain white as well. I guess I just like to keep it old school…
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Jun 23, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
EXACTLY! I was partial to the name of “The White Russian”.
by SeattleCapsFan on Jun 26, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading these comments, I feel guilty for not giving the guy a 10, but he didn’t win the Stanley Cup, so he gets a 9. I saw his goal-line save against Crosby while sitting in an Irish sports bar in Norkkoping, Sweden. I usually won’t go to an Irish Pub here, much less while traveling in a foreign (non-Irish) country. Well worth it.
by RPI93 on Jun 23, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
10
I had no expectations for him this year, with the exception of a few games here or there, which he got. So that’s a 5.
In his few starts, he mostly shined, but is a rookie, after all. And that bumps him up to 7.
Johnny got hurt, but we all knew that Theo was going to be our #1 goalie for the playoffs. Still a 7.
Theo blows. Varlamov comes in. Scared SHITLESS. Still a 7.
Varly blows our freakin’ minds with his play in the 2nd game, even though they lost. Up to an 8.
Varly shuts out the Rangers, then loses in Game 4. Still an 8.
Goes on a 3 game winning streak, with another shut out, and wins us the series. 10.
Takes the first two games in the Pitt series. 10.
Loses 3 in a row, any of which would be hard to pin the blame specifically on Varly, due to bounces and errant Poti-isms. 10.
Wins Game 6 in Pitt to bring it home, but ultimately loses the battle to fatigue. 10.
No matter his shortcomings this season, he had the absolute best year I could have possibly imagined him having. I didn’t expect 10 games out of this kid, and he nearly gave us a Cup. He was phenomenal.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 9:08 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Rec’d. Honestly, to rate a 10, would Varly have had to deliver a Cup? Seriously, people.
by S h a g g y on Jun 23, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno—the best year you could have imagined involved losing in the second round? I can imagine a lot.
I’m going with 9.
by bilspacecadet on Jun 24, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d. Nothing Varly could have done – save scoring a couple goals himself – would have brought the team in front of him a Cup. Team game, people!
by SeattleCapsFan on Jun 26, 2009 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gave him a 10… but I agree for a 10 next year, he’s got to go back to the white mask!
by MetalCap on Jun 23, 2009 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, for starters I gave him a nine because his playoff run was so unexpected and so good. However, as far as next season goes, I refuse to allow myself any expectations. The road to goalie greatness has been littered with so many failed phenoms that he could turn out to be the next Ken Dryden or the next Michel Oulett and neither would shock me. Goalies take so long to mature that I just have a hard time believing that Varly could be this good this quick. Maybe he really is that once in a lifetime player, but I’m anticipating next season to be one of peaks and valleys as teams start to figure out his weaknesses (every goalie has some) and Simeon learns how to deal with setbacks. Dave Prior is going to earn his salary this coming year. I just hope the fans are patient with Varly as he grows into the #1 position.
by b.orr4 on Jun 23, 2009 9:37 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
damn you and your rational non-expectations! good point, though. at least we have 2 great prospects to develop. one, hopefully, will work out.
by ns on Jun 23, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Three, if you count Holtby. I’m still not convinced that Neuvirth isn’t the better prospect. I’m pretty sure his glove hand is better. But, yeah, having multiple prospects increases the chances of success and the level of competition.
by b.orr4 on Jun 23, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Neuvirth may be the better long-term prospect. I’m pretty sure they’re both NHL-capable goalies.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 23, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fans? Patient? Are you kidding me? This is the board that was floating the idea of dumping Boudreau after a 108-point season because we didn’t win the Stanley Cup. There’s no way in hell we won’t throw him under the bus after the first stinker.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 23, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think the impatience has a lot to do with the massive amounts of info fans are now privy to. fans know so much more now about prospects, draftees, minor leaguers, and mgmt direction (GMGM has been a little more open lately) that we get excited and want results ASAP. this blog alone has really helped me dive into the Caps team and organization. its great stuff.
when you have something you’re excited about in your face, i.e. the interwebs, its tough to be patient and let prospects develop at a realistic, non-Ovechkin-like, pace.
by ns on Jun 23, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, we all always tend to forget that there’s 30 teams out there trying as hard as they can (well, most of them) and only 1 gets to win it all.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 23, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
. . . but I’m anticipating next season to be one of peaks and valleys . . .
Totally agree with every single word above by b.orr4. I am patient so long as JT is here and is decent for us. (It wouldn’t hurt to find another quality defenseman somewhere either.)
Varley’s supposed “over-agressiveness” and his tendency to lunge around the crease (expending energy unnecessarily and possibly hurting himself) went away (or at least simmered down) after about 2 games. I put it down to nerves and I assume he is over that quirk permanently.
The fatigue factor I am a bit more concerned with, but again, his burden - both physically and emotionally - was beyond anything he had carried to that date. I’d like to think he’s also done with that issue and now knows how to prepare.
How much can realistically be expected of Varlamov in 2009-10? Start 50 games. Win 30-35 of them. (JT wins the other 20.) Goalie numbers other than the ones next to the “W” and the “L”? Who cares?
What would it take for him to earn a 10 next season? Sixteen "W"s in the post season. Cup Parade.
by Uncle C on Jun 23, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would it take for him to earn a 10 next season? Sixteen "W"s in the post season. Cup Parade.
Well, if a “10” is perfection, can’t say I would argue with setting the bar at that level. In fact, winning the Cup should be the criteria that every player has to reach (including Ovie) before they can receive a 10, no matter how great their indiividual season.
by b.orr4 on Jun 23, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are there really enough frustrated Theodore fans here to give him (at this point) two 1 votes.
by :hsughrofl: on Jun 23, 2009 9:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Even Sloan came away with no 1 votes.
by :hsughrofl: on Jun 23, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the risk of reprising DP
Expected nothing. Got a hell of a lot. Ten.
None of us will ever forget his heroics this postseason. If we’re all still talking about John Druce, you can be damned sure Varlamov’s heroics in 2009 will be a legend as long as the Caps are in DC.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 23, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gave him a 9.
to get a 10 next year, greater than.920 save % and 2.30 GAA or less. Pretty unreasonable for a first year pro, but thats why its a 10.
I am concerned about his tendency to overplay the shooter, and the aforementioned ADD glove hand. Still, he was a monster in his first 7 games or so for the caps in the playoffs.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jun 23, 2009 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to say I agree with most of what’s already been written -thi gave him a 10 for coming into a tough situation and doing amazingly well. For next season, he definitely has some things to improve on – the aforementioned glove hand, the injury concerns, his positioning.
But I have high expectations for next season given that he is so mature and seems to be very aware of what he needs to do to improve; it’s not like he’s blithely unaware of his faults, and has said he would work to improve on them. And as I mentioned on the thread about his interview, he has said he didn’t expect to have to adjust so much to North American hockey. Do I expect him to come back and stuff every great shooter in the league, and be totally unsolvable? No. But I do expect that he’ll work to fill some of the gaps in his play that the Penguins were able to exploit by the end of the semis.
Follow me on Twitter @KellyinDC...
by KellyinDC on Jun 23, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I expected Varly to get called up and play a couple of regular season games. I never thought he’d get a sniff of the NHL playoffs. That alone should give him a high score, and then he goes out and plays lights out for 8-10 of those games as a 20-21 year old.
I gave him a 9.
by B19 on Jun 23, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
10 this year is “Ken Dryden”…
6 regular season games, win ’em all
win Stanley Cup
Too many faults revealed in the Pittsburgh series; he still has work to do
8
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I also gave him an 8. His season and playoff numbers maintained in a much larger sample would’ve been a 9.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What in the world were you expecting?! :-)
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t really fault him for not being played more regularly.
by :hsughrofl: on Jun 23, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the scoring was relative to expectations. Just what did you expect? :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Jun 23, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Expectations” might be another word for “average.” If a person does “better than expected” they do “better than average.” If they do “as much as humanly possible” they get “far above average”…like a 10.
Did Varlamov do what was “expected?” No, that’s why he doesn’t get a 5. Did he do “as much as humanly possible?” No to that too’ that’s why he doesn’t get a 10.
In this system, an “8” translates roughly to an A-. That seems about right. If I could give him an 8.5, I would.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with Peerless here.
Further, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect a kid with his pedigree to come in and perform well in a limited sample. It’s certainly not unique.
I expected him to get some games this year and a lot more next year, and part of that expectation is informed by the 2-year contract given to JT, rather than a 3-year deal for Huet (i.e. the team obviously thought he was close enough to be playing next season… so maybe he arrived a little ahead of schedule, maybe not).
Had he been unable to go after Game 3 of the Pitt series and his season ended right there, he’d have gotten a 9 from me. But those last four games… it’s not all on him, but it’s enough to knock him down a point in my book.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, in other words, it would have taken a Cup for him to have gotten a 10. I understand your reasoning, but respectfully disagree that he didn’t get a 10 based on that. It seems to me that he did do “as much as humanly possible” for a 21 year old rookie with no playoff experience at this level to come in for 13 straight games and accomplish what he did.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would you have given Ken Dryden?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never saw him play, nor knew of the expectations surrounding him, nor was alive to see it happen :-), so I can’t say. Nor do I know the team that surrounded him when he played. But, with my limited knowledge of the Montreal Canadiens circa 1970-on, I doubt very much that Dryden was the star of that team.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I hope to God that doesn’t happen to Varlamov. But I also can’t say I wouldn’t have given Ward a 10 if he’d ultimately lost. It’s still a case of rising above and beyond all reasonable expectation. Maybe that’s where our differences lie, is in the “reasonable expectation.”
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ward had the benefit of having played 28 regular season games (and not especially well, one might add). He was hot (or good, if you prefer) when it mattered. His might be the result of the saying that 90 percent of life is timing.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So what would he have gotten if he hadn’t fallen apart at the end of the Pens series? (Insert Spinal Tap joke here.)
He was great, phenomenal, etc., then came back to earth a bit. That “back to earth” part is worth a ding or two in my book.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, I have a hard time faulting someone for failing physically. He was drained by the 7th game (which wasn’t his fault necessarily) and I think that was simply inevitable. Plus, had the Caps played worth a damn, that 7th game likely doesn’t go the way it does.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The wheels on Varlamov’s train started coming off before Game 7. As J.P. noted in original wrap, those last four games were something of a statistical horror show. He did not allow fewer than four goals in any of them. The Pens just threw rubber at him relentlessly — what you do to young goalies, to get them to do what Varlamov ultimately did (crack).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t disagree, but at the same time, I think that fatigue may be excusing faults that were at least hinted at if not fully apparent long before. And, not being physically able to compete is, in part, a reflection on his conditioning.
Related: physical ailments derailed some (Semin, Fehr, Green) and not others (Ovechkin). It seems to me to be wholly acceptable to note the difference there, so why not here?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just wanted to point out that the Pens were a much better offensive team than the rangers.
So when discussing Varlamov’s dropoff in the playoffs, it should also be noted his early success was against a poor offensive team, and later struggles against a very good team.
Hard to make conjectures on long term performance with just a sample size of two opponents.
by Stormblue on Jun 23, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely true on all counts, though even within the Pens series, Games 1-3 Varly was different from Games 4-7 Varly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this was a skater who had six games and went 5-4-9, +5, then went on to lead the Caps to the playoffs and win the Conn Smythe, that’s one thing. It’d be hard to find a precedent for that which satisfies the “as much as humanly possible” standard. That would be setting the “10.” But there is an NHL precedent for coming in, playing few games in goal, back stopping your team to a Cup, and winning the Conn Smythe. That is “as much as humanly possible,” and Varlamov — as spectacular a season (abbrieviated though it was) had, didn’t quite meet that standard. It isn’t a dig or a slight on Varlamov as much as a recognition that this is a very high bar to clear (or, since “10” is the limit, to match)
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As I said above, I think the “reasonable expectation” is where our differences lie. It’s unreasonable to have expected a Cup from a less-than-sparingly used goalie, IMO. Therefore, doing as well as he did, and eventually succumbing to fatigue, he went above and beyond would I could have possibly expected of him, not of someone in his position. Obviously, rookies can come in and win, but you don’t expect them to.
by DrinkingPartner on Jun 23, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But at the same time the criteria is “if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10” and you can make the case he didn’t have the best year that you would have imagined in your wildest dreams.
by David M. Getz on Jun 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
in my wildest dreams at the beginning of the playoffs, i could have imagined a cam ward type run to the cup. in my wildest dreams at the beginning of the season, i could not have imagined a cam ward type run to the cup.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 23, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your dreams are pretty tame. Are they all “Jennifer Aniston, missionary position” too? :-)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jun 23, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for name value alone, i would absolutely award myself a 10 for that feat!
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 23, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but rating him is based on both expectation and potential. I don’t think I’ve given anyone a 10 because they should be (IMO) fulfilling both. Giving a 10 to me means a player has also got no room left for improvement in their play.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
to each his own, but “no left for improvement” is too high a standard for a Natty 10. i’d expect a player’s potential go grow as he matures. for varlamov, the most i expected was a dominant AHL season with a shot at the lineup next year. if he ever establishes himself as a full-time NHL starting goalkeeper, i’ll be raising my expectations accordingly.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 23, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loved what Varley brought in the early playoffs and in his starts during the year…unexpected for sure so an 8.
I am concerned that a team with real cup aspirations has a veteran keeper last seen in a baseball cap for almost the entire playoffs and two potential rookie phenom goalies, when history suggest that it is highly unlikely that they can sustain a high level of play through an entire NHL regular and playoff season.
As much as I would like to believe they can, Its hard to see any of the goalies on the current roster leading us to the Cup in the next few years. History is not on our side here with 2, 21 year old goalies, no matter how great they have looked at certain times.
The latter rounds of the playoff this year reminded me again how critical the goalies are to the winning team…and we are not there with a broken “bridge” to the future, and a future that’s probably a few years away.
by Direction 87 on Jun 23, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i’ve now handed out a 10 to a capitals goalie in each of the past two years. and yet the position is still a complete toss-up going into 2009-2010! if a caps goalie achieves a 10 next year, i dare say we’ll finally have our goalie of the future.
by Natty Bumppo on Jun 23, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A revelation in net.
He won us a round in the second season when things were bleak, and most importantly seemed to have a calming effect on the troops in front of him.
IMO, he is our #1 prospect in the organization right now, and it’s not close.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 23, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know if I agree with this. Varlamov and Neuvirth are very different goaltenders in style, and it will be interesting to see which — the superior athlete (Varlamov) or the better technician (Neuvirth) — wins out in the end. I suspect that Varlamov will be better (or at least look better) early, as he can cover a lot of mistakes with his quickness and aggresive style. That might not be a long-term way to go unless he becomes better than he is now (which is not to say he is “bad”) in terms of technical skill. Neuvirth might have the better (or at least longer) career in the end. Being technically sound can cover any athletic shortcomings, and even when those fail, technically sound goalies can have very long careers (although Dominik Hasek, who no one would put on an instructional video, played for a long time).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jun 23, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hasek had the benefit of playing in a Detroit system that liked to split time between goalies at the end of his career, and took the 2002-2003 and 2004-2005 seasons off (well, ok, so one of those is lockout year)
by RedBirdie on Jun 23, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the superior athlete (Varlamov) or the better technician (Neuvirth)
Would you categorize Olie as one of the former goalie “types”, those who are superior athletes? Not that he wasn’t a “technician”, but I imagine every goalie leans one way or the other.
More current examples of the athlete version, please? Merci.
by Uncle C on Jun 24, 2009 6:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tim Thomas comes to mind, as does the Mason kid in CLB.
from the house that Red Jesus built
by bigonetimer on Jun 24, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In my opinion, Olie started as an “athletic”, “physical” type goalie. He didn’t become great until he learned more technique. And in his case, it took years.
by Gould Old Days on Jun 25, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The four 1's
Did they misunderstand the rating scale and think they gave him a 10?
by OldPhil on Jun 23, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My guess is there are some cranky Ranger fans in our midst.
by David M. Getz on Jun 23, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta be a 10...
I expected that the season would feature Theo and Johnny as the goaltenders and if anyone would come up from the minors it might be Neuvirth. Varly was great in all but one of he regular season games, and the first 8 playoff games. 6-2 in those games is outstanding, and heck, even in the 9th game (game 3 vs. Pitt) he played really well too.
The first 6 games in the playoffs were vs. the Rangers, who are not a great offensive team at all. Their top goalgetter on their playoff roster was Nik Antropov, who had 28 (most of those with Toronto). Not exactly a team that can light it up. In only game did the Rangers mount a significant attack (game 7) and Varly was up to the challenge. In Game 6, the Rangers scored 3 of their 7 goals they got against Varly, but those came only after the Caps were up 5-0. The first 3 games against Pittsburgh were terrific too.
In watching him in all those games, the biggest issues I saw were rebound control and the lazy glove hand. He needs to be much more sharp in playing rebounds away from opponents. He also needs to stand up more for himself in the crease. When Kunitz crosschecked Varly late in the 3rd of round 2 game 2, Varly sort of shrugged it off. Olie Kolzig would have introduced his blocker pad to Kunitz’ jaw…hard. Varly needs to not back down. While that blow didn’t affect the outcome of that game (and Kunitz admitted it was a sucker shot), it seemed to have a bit of an effect on Varly, as he was a little more timid. He can’t be faulted in either of the two OT losses vs. Pitt as both goals were scored on weird bounces. Game 4 and Game 7…there were a lot of soft goals there.
To stay as a 10, he needs to win the starting job, play 55 games and win 30+. Controling rebounds better, and working on conditioning would also be big plusses too. There’s no reason to believe that he can’t be a great goaltender in the NHL.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jun 23, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
9
I did not except a 20-year old kid to come in and steal the show in the postseason, probably worthy of a Conn Smythe through 9 postseason starts. But I also did not expect him to fail in Game 7 either of Round 2, failing to make even routine saves. Just a small nuisance there.
For a 10 next year: 60GP, 35 wins, 2.4 GAA or less, .910 sv % or higher, starts every game in the postseason, posting a GAA under 2 and a sv % over .930 or takes the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Realistically: 40 GP, 2.4, .915. Postseason: maybe 15GP, 2.1GAA, .925.
by red army line on Jun 23, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I
I would grade him an incomplete, or issue a continuance. There isn’t enough in his body of work to make a grade just yet.
by killianskid34 on Jun 24, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 22 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 15 |
|
Atlanta
|
12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
|
Florida
|
14 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 11 |
|
Carolina
|
15 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 7 |
(updated 11.7.2009 at 9:10 AM EST)
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