The Southeast Division's Top Ten Goaltenders
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
125 comments
Happy Friday, Rink Nation. Today we round out or top ten lists in the Southeast Division with a keen eye on the last line of defense -- the goalie.
More than any other position, compiling a top ten list in the SE proved difficult, because of the motley bunch of unknown quantities, aging veterans, and the ebbs and flows of backup netminders, beyond, at most, a "top three." For example, how best to compare Scott Clemmensen, a career No. 2 who shone brilliantly in dreary Newark while Martin Brodeur was on the shelf last season, to José Theodore, who has exhibited a much more consistent, if underwhelming, level of performance?
Further, as I was reminded again on Wednesday night during my league game, even the sharpest of 'tenders can get lit up when the defense in front is consistently out-of-position, allowing opposing forwards to take frequent point-blank shots and to have enough unmolested time in the slot area to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.
So we'll go with this important criterion: If you had to choose one goalie in the division to win a playoff series, who would you want?
10. Johan Hedberg (Atlanta Thrashers)
Once the object of Craig Billington's affection, Johan the "Moose" Hedberg has fashioned for himself a decent career as a backup, on the verge of 250 GP in the show. He certainly earned the ire of Capitals fans everywhere for his performance in the 2000-01 playoffs as a member of the arch-rival Penguins, finishing that post-season with a 9-9 record, 2.30 GAA and .911 SV%. But that was a long time ago.
9. Michal Neuvirth (Washington Capitals)
Clearly, a Calder Cup victory does not necessarily lead to a great NHL career as a goalie. But, like other rising Caps goalie star Simeon Varlamov, Neuvirth has already demonstrated that he can handle playoff pressure and sold-out arenas full of delirious fans. He and Atlanta prospect (and fellow Calder Cup winner) Ondřej Pavelec, appear to be most promising amongst the crop of young SE 'tenders for taking the next step toward at least a sizable NHL backup role. (A step that Varly, by all accounts, has already taken.)
8. Antero Niittymäki (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Capitals fans with even a short memory will recall that "Niitty" can steal a game for his team, stoning even the most offensively prolific team's onslaught. Niittymaki has proven to a be a capable backup, and didn't perhaps get a fair go as a No. 1 when he was backstopping a woeful Flyers team in 2006-07. He enjoyed his best season in 2008-09, playing in 32 games for the orange and black, and should have a real opportunity to take the No. 1 job in TB this coming season.
7. Mike Smith (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Smith posted his best SV% to date last season for a Tampa Bay team that allowed the third-most SA/G and fourth-most GA/G in the league. He allowed four goals or more in 11 games (40 starts) last season, and seemed to keep his team from completely unraveling until suffering a concussion that finished his 2008-09 season by February. (By comparison, José Theodore allowed four or more 19 times in 55 starts.) The kid has certainly got a fire in his belly (guess Olie Kolzig's time in Tampa had an impact there), and he's got the tools to succeed. He'll have to prove that he's fully recovered and ready to resume #1 duties.
6. Scott Clemmensen (Florida Panthers)
The Des Moines, Iowa native's name sounds like a journeyman starting pitcher sweating in the high summer heat on the mound in a AA ball park somewhere in the midwest. And, similar to the storyline of The Natural, Scott Clemmensen emerged at age 31 to lead a contending New Jersey Devils team through the heart of the 2008-09 season, when the legendary Brodeur was out of action, winning 25 of 40 games with a .917 SV%, and earning high honors from his teammates. Prior to last season, however, he played in only 28 NHL games over five seasons. Still, last season's performance was enough to earn him a tidy three-year, $3.6 million deal with Florida.
5. José Theodore (Washington Capitals)
Caps goaltending guru Dave Prior had no question in his mind that JT should have been given the chance to rebound from a lackluster Game 1 in last spring's series versus the Rangers. And we'll never know how Theodore would have performed in that crucial Game 2 and beyond. But we do know that Theo has played over 500 games in the NHL, with a career .908 SV%, a Vezina Trophy, and four playoff series victories to his credit. Being a right catching mitt (like Tomáš Vokoun, below) can make things interesting for opposing shooters as well. A decent, if not stellar, workhorse.
4. Simeon Varlamov (Washington Capitals)
There's scant career numbers to analyze, for sure, but Varlamov, in two playoff serieses to date, won one and took the second to a Game 7. That second series was lost on account of a myriad of other factors which we've debated endlessly here. He played as well as could possibly be imagined of any mere mortal netminder last spring. Durability and stamina are still in some doubt, but with some further conditioning, the potential seems boundless.
3. Kari Lehtonen (Atlanta Thrashers)
Lehtonen can dazzle and amaze, and certainly has frustrated the Caps over the years, most recently turning away 49 of 50 Caps shots in a game in mid-March. He's earned the tenth-best SV% since the lockout of all NHL goalies with 70+ GP. Like Smith, he played behind a defense which gave up a lot of SOG: 32.7 per game on average. He faced 35+ SOG in almost half (21 of 44) of the games in which he started last season. And in eight of those 21, he faced 40+ shots. To have allowed four or more in just 15 of those 44 starts is impressive.
2. Tomáš Vokoun (Florida Panthers)
Vokoun played his first NHL game for Les Habs, but has since toiled away in relative obscurity for Nashville and Florida. As a predictable result, he has garnered little notoriety. So you may be surprised to know that Vokoun has the second-best SV% of all NHL goalies since the lockout. And even with an injury-shortened 2006-07 campaign, he's earned 25 or more wins for six consecutive seasons. His playoff experience is limited, and he's yet to win a series (3-8, all with Nashville), but even in those 11 games, his playoff SV% was .922.
1. Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes)
Cam Ward, in his admittedly brief career, has been as durable as they come, with 60+ GP and 30+ wins in each of the last three seasons. He's had his bad moments, for sure, but he's improved his SV% in each of the last three seasons as well. And talking about selecting a goalie to win a series, it's hard to argue against one who won four consecutive ones en route to a Stanley Cup (the only goalie in this list to win the ultimate prize).
So, finally, having ranked the top ten 'tenders in the Southeast individually, how might the division's denizens stack up in the goaltending department on a team-by-team basis? Which tandem, or system, of the five clubs is most solid now and most exciting in the between-the-pipes pipeline? A rough and dirty rank order: (5) Tampa Bay; (4) Altanta; (3) Carolina; (2) Florida; and (1) Washington.
Sure, we're biased in having seen much more of the Caps' G prospects, but a Theo/Varly tandem seems more solid than, say, Lehtonen/Hedberg, and I can't see a pipeline in the SE comparable to Varlamov, Neuvirth, and Braden Holtby. So that's where you come in: tell us what you think about our rankings, both from an individual and an organizational standpoint.
(And don't go for the 2-for-1 Friday happy hour well drink special -- go for the label you can read.)
3 recs |
125 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Just an unreal photo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Crosby, denied.
That would be a nifty one to get autographed, if you were, say, going to CapsCon.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Jul 31, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t find the link now, but I saw on the Official Board the other day that someone had basically framed four or five different angles of that moment together. Looked pretty sweet, though I couldn’t stand having to see Crosby on my wall all the time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could draw little tears on it…
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Jul 31, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cold comfort, considering the ultimate result of the series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easy enough to crop, especially from the photo on this page.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 31, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just what I was thinking. Of course, you have to have the luck to get the session when he’s signing. Probably a better chance to get it signed some time during the season after practice.
by gfcaps fan on Jul 31, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok, PhotoShoppers, where does Varlamov belong on…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which tandem, or system, of the five clubs is most solid now and most exciting in the between-the-pipes pipeline? A rough and dirty rank order: (5) Tampa Bay; (4) Atlanta; (3) Carolina; (2) Florida; and (1) Washington.
I’d rate them:
Tampa – they’re both pretty good, but they both have big time questions
Atlanta – only because of Lehtonen’s health issues
Washington
Florida – I think Vokoun is better than Varlamov and Clemmensen is better than Theo, at least as a backup
Carolina – Ward’s money.
by David M. Getz on Jul 31, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, when the #1 goalie in the Division is 25-years-old, his team’s in good shape. I’ve got Tampa, Atlanta (though with Pavs in the pipeline, they might have something real good), Florida, Washington (the upside is exciting enough to put them there, and that’s the criteria), Carolina.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I really just focused on the “now” aspect of it rather than the “pipeline” aspect. If I were talking about future potential alone, I’d go Florida, Tampa, Atlanta, Washington, Carolina; combination probably Tampa, Florida, Atlanta, Washington Carolina.
by David M. Getz on Jul 31, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rank Smith 5th, above Theo and Clemmensen, but not a “solid 5th” given the question marks over his recovery and whatnot.
As for futures, Tampa’s not bad but not quite at the level of the Caps. Helenius and Tokarski are both good/great prospects, and if Ramo ever returns he’ll help flush out the depth.
Atlanta’s ok with Pavalec but nothing amazing.
Carolina’s got one of the top CHL goaltenders in their system (Mike Murphy?) and Ward being young sets them up for awhile.
Of course Florida has Markstrom but do they have anyone else that looks “great” long term?
In both the here-and-now and future discussions, this division is “interesting” to say the least. It could swing dramatically in several different directions/rankings depending on so many tiny factors. I guess the only constants are “Vokoun = good, Lehtonen = injured, Ward = streaky?” ; p
by brs03 on Jul 31, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this list is why the defense is so bad…
by Sct112 on Jul 31, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking, “To recap, great forwards, mediocre goalies and crappy defensemen – welcome to Southeast Division hockey!”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Recipe for exciting hockey. It seems the SE was the model for the NHL when it instituted its most recent round of rule changes.
And “real” hockey fans call it the South Least. phfbbt! Take that Atlantic.
by Sct112 on Jul 31, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Last 5 Stanley Cups....
…won by divisions:
Southeast 2
Pacific 1
Altantic 1
Central 1
Northwest 0
Northeast 0
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 31, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Would you say the rules changes have benefited the Eastern Conference more than the Western, or is that something that might be merely by virtue of the current rosters for various teams?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Aug 1, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The goaltending isn’t mediocre… there are a few outstanding goalies here. Ward is obviously the best, and Lehtonen can win if he has a good team in front of him. He pretty much carried Finland to the silver medal in the 2006 Olympics when Kipprusof was out. Vokoun is also a world class goaltender.
It remains to be seen what Varly will do, but I have a feeling it will be awesome (like that photo up there…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 31, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many Divisions have an inferior Top 5, overall?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll do my own work:
NE – Thomas, Miller, Price, Toskala, Leclaire
ATL – Lundqvist, Brodeur, Fleury, Roloson, Emery
PAC – Nabokov, Hiller, Turco, Bryzgalov, Quick
NW – Luongo, Kipper, Khabibulin, Backstrom
CEN – Mason, Osgood, Huet, Rinne, Mason
That’s off the top of my head and is undoubtly not 100% accurate, but which of those groups of 5 is worse/less proven than Ward, Vokoun, Lehtonen, Varly and Smith?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, exactly. Every other division has a hands down set of 3 awesome goalies.
by zephyr on Jul 31, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Craig Anderson isn’t going to be happy….
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is he going to blind us with his bald spot in retribution?
by zephyr on Jul 31, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha! I knew I forgot someone. Should’ve counted…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s ok… he’s probably off gazing at ice girls, anyway.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, J.P. – you can maybe make the case that the Central isn’t that great because there are so many questions there and the Northeast’s sort of hit or miss, but really that bring us to the Southeast being somewhere between third (I’ll grant an extra spot) and sixth out of six…which seems the very definition of mediocre.
by David M. Getz on Jul 31, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at those five divisions, the best SE goalie would (Ward) would not be the best goalie in any of those divisions (ok, maybe…maybe, the PAC). But the second best goalie in the SE might be no better than fourth in any of those other divisions. That speaks to the utter lack of depth of talent (or experience) in the SE.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nabokov > Ward. Bryzgalov > Ward.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and not sure I agree.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bryzgalov is a closer call, for sure, but I like his game and I love his interviews. I’m still peeved that GMGM let him slip through those waivers.
“It’s just a game, why you have to be so mad?”
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Bryz as well, but he was wildly inconsistent last year. Telly got a fair amount of time before he was traded because of it. His inconsistency in his game at times is why the Ducks dumped him instead of Giguere. That doesn’t make him a bad goalie just makes him a decent, but not great goalie.
Even if you give me Bryz playing at his best I’d take Cam Ward over him any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Ward has lowered his GAA and raised his save percentage every year since he came up to NHL. Plus he’s 4 years younger.
by CP2Devil on Jul 31, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ward has had his own inconsistency battles, just like almost every NHL goalie that isn’t going to be a first ballot HoFer (so all but 2 or 3 current goalies), it’s not limited to Bryz. I wouldn’t consider Bryz “wildly” inconsistent last year, but I also didn’t watch a ton of Coyotes hockey. He didn’t have a great team in front of him so he was under fire a lot. Ward really doesn’t impress me much when he isn’t on one of his white hot streaks.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at his game stats. They are all over the place. He even admitted that he played poorly at times last season. There were a number of comments about how he was playing as compared to his play the year before in a contract year.
I think you confuse lack of offense with poor defense. Yotes didn’t win enough games last year because they had a bunch of forwards who couldn’t put the puck in the net. Goaltending wasn’t helpful at times either, but continued inability to score was the achilles heel.
In their decade plus in the Valley, the Yotes never had as a good a blueline as they did last season. Not big names minus Jovo but solid guys who did little things right. Ulfie has done a nice job coaching D. Hell even Klee looked like he was 26 again after they picked him up.
by CP2Devil on Jul 31, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, I didn’t watch much PHX last season. They did play in possibly the toughest division in hockey and his team was real young and inexperienced. Their D may not have been as bad as it has been but it wasn’t that good either, especially considering the quality of forwards they were routinely up against.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trust me when you are dealing with the Jets/Yotes you grade on a curve. :-)
by CP2Devil on Aug 1, 2009 2:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although there is Ward’s 2 CF and 1 SCC+CS > Nabby’s 0 CF
by red army line on Jul 31, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Given the option, not considering salary, which guy do you want in your net?
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After their play last season its about a dead heat. You could choose Nabakov because he’s played at a high level for a long time or Ward who is trending up right now. I could argue for either guy.
by CP2Devil on Jul 31, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I had one game to win, Nabby. If I had one playoff series to win… tougher call, perhaps.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps. Though until this season I don’t think Nabokov has been responsible for any of the SJS flame outs in the past. This year I think it was a team effort; the skaters didn’t take care of their responsibilities and Nabokov didn’t do a particularly good job of bailing the team out.
I think Nabokov is among the elite goalies in the league. I think Ward is in that second tier of goalies that are solid but wouldn’t make me wet myself if he ended up on the Caps’ roster.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is an interesting read on Nabby.
I like him plenty, but I think he’s benefited tremendously from the system in which he plays.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is a good read and I’ll keep a closer eye on some of those numbers this season. But I think goalies are the hardest position to evaluate statistically because of so many variables that are incredibly difficult to quantify and control. When I watch goalies I have basically 3 criteria: (1) No soft goals. (2) Make the save the team needs when they need it. (3) .900 save percentage. Huge flashy saves are nice, but it’s not fair to count on goalies for that so everyone I see I count as a bonus. Only one of my 3 criteria are susceptible to statistical analysis, and that one is the least important and the easiest to reach for an NHL goalie. SJS undoubtedly is a good team and has a good system, but sometimes when things break down they break down. Which goalie do you feel more comfortable coming up with that save?
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which goalie do you feel more comfortable coming up with that save?
I mean that in general, not necessarily this particular example. I think that’s the ultimate question to ask whenever you are evaluating goalies.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, and I’d go even further to say that with your first two criteria, who needs the third? I mean, if you’re not allowing any soft goals and making the big saves, if you end up below .900, it’s because of your team, not you, right? I guess it’s all just hypothetical, but .900 is an arbitrary number (though generally accepted, akin to the Mendoza Line). Point being, if your goalie isn’t allowing softies and is making the saves the team needs but somehow is below .900, he ain’t the problem.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True story. Third is a distant third. The big thing that stood out about that article was the consistency numbers (you knew it). I’d always thought his play had been more even before this year, and that’s a pretty helpful quality in a goalie.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are question marks all over there.
The NE depends largely on how Toskala and Leclaire recover, and whether Price picks his game up. No reason the SE couldn’t surpass them with decent years.
ATL is set, no touching that.
PAC depends largely on how Turco rebounds, how the Hiller/Giggy situation plays itself out, whether Quick carries over his stellar rookie play. There’s a chance the SE surpasses, maybe.
NW depends on how Kipper playes w/o Keenan, and how big Builin’s decline is now that he’s got a long-term contract again. Anderson’s a question mark as well. That division could end up moderately disappointing.
CEN is the one that I don’t see passing the SE in the regular season. Osgood could again be the worst regular season goalie in the league (or he could rebound, who knows). C. Mason is pretty average, I wouldn’t put him above any of the SE starters on average. Huet is tough to gauge, if he can handle a big workload he’ll be good but I don’t see how he touches Ward or Vokoun really. Rinne and S. Mason are the wild cards, if they hit sophomore slumps all bets are off.
So the SE isn’t well off per se, but it’s not likely the worst either if guys are healthy.
by brs03 on Jul 31, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the SE isn’t well off per se, but it’s not likely the worst either if guys are healthy.
In other words, mediocre, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say average, but fair’s fair. I don’t think you’ll see any of the 5 starters there listed in the bottom 3rd of the league statwise unless something dramatic happens, so I have trouble saying “mediocre” to that especially since you’ve got Ward and Vokoun at the high-end. But then YMMV.
by brs03 on Jul 31, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is an issue of context here, too. You could move out to the defensemen, and you’d have trouble rating the SE’s squads higher than any other division’s squads. And I’d wager there are fewer defensive-minded forwards in the SE than you’ll find in the other divisions. The SE plays another brand of hockey it seems…the NHL’s equivalent to the “Q” in juniors? A division with a preponderance of offensively-gifted (and perhaps defensively-deficient) players? It’ll beat up a goalie’s numbers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which explains why Vokoun and Lehtonen are so underrated around the league
by Gould Old Days on Jul 31, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vokoun and Anderson were both top 5 in GAA and sv % for a while last year, yet they both fly under the radar. Sorta like Conklin after a year in Hockeytown
by red army line on Jul 31, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at it that way, man, SE has a long way to go.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Jul 31, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Neuvirth is on this list, so is Pavelec. He also won a Calder Cup as an AHL rookie (w/ Chicago), and had an identical save percentage in doing it (.932; Neuvirth’s GAA was better — 1.92 vs. 2.34). And, he actually has NHL experience (even though he’s been pasted by the Caps in two of his three appearances against them).
As for rankings?
Now:
1. Carolina
2. Florida
3. Washington
4. Tampa Bay
5. Atlanta
Later (say, five years from now):
1. Carolina (Ward will still be king of the beat)
2. Washington
3. Atlanta
4. Tampa Bay
5. Florida
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Neuvirth is about a year behind Pavelec in NHL experience. Neuvy (as opposed to Varly?) had 5 games this season, while Pavelec had his first 7 games last season. Pavelec added 12 more games this past season. It’s a bit early to say one’s better than the other (Pavelec’s .880 SAV v. Neuvirth’s .895 SAV over a small number of games this season), and neither one probably should be on this list, although Pavalec probably has a better chance of playing regularly this season.
Rankings:
1. Carolina—Ward’s the class of the division and Leighton’s a decent and underrated back-up.
2. Florida—I’ve always liked Voukon, and Clemmensen gives the Panthers another possible platoon guy
3. Washington—Banking on Varlamov as the starter, but there’s a question about his stamina and whether he can perform throughout an entire season. Plus, I’m not big on Theo as a back-up—he seemed to struggle when he was platooning with Johnson, and only improved when he started getting the lion’s share of starts.
4. Atlanta—If Lehtonen is healthy, he’s a strong starter. But there’s been constant rumors that the Thrashers have been shopping him to make room for Pavelec. Hedberg, in my opinion, is one of the worst goalies in the league. I’m surprised he still has a job. If the Thrash go with a Lehtonen/Pavalec tandem, they may be better than Varlamov/Theodore.
5. Tampa Bay—Smith is coming off a bad concussion from which he’s only just starting to improve. Nitty has had three hip surgeries, which probably will limit his workload. The Lightning’s defense has gotten better, but there’s a lot of new pieces, which will put a good deal of pressure on the goalies. Not a good picture.
by Forsch31 on Jul 31, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not big on Theo as a back-up—he seemed to struggle when he was platooning with Johnson, and only improved when he started getting the lion’s share of starts.
I agree with this and worry about it a lot. To be a reliable back up, Joe-Zay is going to have evolve. Can he? I worry.
by Uncle C on Aug 1, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he doesn’t evolve, the team can always send him to Hershey. Caps would still be paying his salary, but his cap hit would come off the books. A pro backup would probably be available inexpensively. It’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of the world either.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 1, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not big on Theo as a back-up—he seemed to struggle when he was platooning with Johnson, and only improved when he started getting the lion’s share of starts.
That’s a chicken-and-the-egg thing: was he platooning because he was struggling or was he struggling because he was platooning?
by David M. Getz on Aug 1, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And does it matter if he goes into this year knowing he’s competing with a 21-year old phenom instead of a 30+ year old journeyman backup? (I’m not saying that’s a fair characterization of Johnny — I’m saying that’s how Theo must have seen the situation)
I get the feeling Theo needs to feel like he has an important role, beyond just sitting on the pine. Backing up Brent Johnson was unsatisfying. But in the playoffs, he took on that mentor role and seemed to want to be a second goaltending coach.
I’m predicting Theo does fine because the situation is pretty well defined (although the outcome of the competition isn’t) and because everyone has last year’s experience to draw from.
by Gould Old Days on Aug 1, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get the feeling Theo needs to feel like he has an important role, beyond just sitting on the pine.
I get the opposite feeling. I think Theo needs a little fire under his ass to play well. When he thinks he is set is when he tanks. It took him until halfway through the season when COL had demonstrated they would start Budaj over him before he got his act together in 07-08. He didn’t start playing well until BJ really challenged him last year (with due notice of DMG’s chicken-or-egg point). Down the stretch Theo’s play slipped; maybe because he didn’t think he had a legitimate challenger because the Caps wouldn’t let their hopes ride on a rookie. Whatever his role is this year, and however he plays, I’m glad it’s the last year we are paying him.
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 1, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That video of Billington making “antlers” at Hedberg still cracks me up….
My top 10:
1) Ward – He’s got the ring, and he really is terrific
2) Lehtonen – Tough choice between him and Vokoun. He works so hard at his game and you can tell playng behind the Thrashers is driving him batty.
3) Vokoun – Absolutely solid
4) Varlamov – It will take some doing to get up this list, but he’s a young ‘un and has plenty of time
5) Clemmensen – The Devils barely missed a beat when the lost Brodeur…will help Florida, but there are teams out there that could have used a starter (Tampa…)
6) Theodore – When he’s on, only Ward is better. When he’s off, Hedberg is better
7) Niitimaki – Another streaky guy… did he really stop that many shots in that period up in Philly?
8) Neuvirth – Another talented player. The Caps future in net is set.
9) Smith – Is he really a starter? No really?
10) Hedberg – Moooooooooooooose!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 31, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
9) Smith – Is he really a starter? No really?
14-18-6 with a 2.82 GAA and .916 save percentage is pretty darn good for someone in the net for disaster Tampa rolled out with last year.
by David M. Getz on Jul 31, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His GAA is pretty good, his save percentage is good, but I’m not convinced yet…. if he can repeat that save percentage, then he can move up.
At some point this season, I supsect Niitty will move past him and become the starter…then when he gets cold, Smith will take the job back.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jul 31, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I struggled with ranking Niittymaki and Smith, and sense that the battle for the #1 job will be a fierce one this September.
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can only judge based on the performances I’ve witnessed against the Caps. Nittymaki is the greatest goaltender that has ever lived….ever.
by RED503 on Jul 31, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“yeah, but he’s a lousy fighter…”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-esdscILk28
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think Neuvy makes this list. The sample size with him and Varly is way too small. I guess that just goes to show how weak the SE is depth wise in another area. Anderson would have made this list look a lot better…too bad he is gone.
- Ward
- Lehtonen
- Vokoun
- Theodore
- Varlamov
- Smith
- Clemmensen
- Nitty
- Hedberg
- Leighton
by zephyr on Jul 31, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Depth wise might have been the incorrect word. I just think that the first 5 should be easy to consider the top 5 and that each team should be able to field 2 tenders to the list making up the 6-10.
I’m also a goalie so my list could look sort of crazy but I watch the goalies intensely during games.
by zephyr on Jul 31, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d agree with this list strictly based on sample size alone.
"The passion of our supporters cannot be contained by clothing."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 31, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice try including Neuvy there JP. We’re going to have to veto that. :-)
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Jul 31, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome back, BTW, I for one don’t think I’d virtually seen you for a few days.
"The passion of our supporters cannot be contained by clothing."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 31, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I’ve been underwater with work and planning a wedding.
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope I don’t have to mention how awesome it would be if you were combining the two.
"The passion of our supporters cannot be contained by clothing."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 31, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you’re less of a douche than McConaughey.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn if that didn’t bring a smile to my face.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m still a fan of the Mormon episode.
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 Jul 31, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is this, I shudder to ask?
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cartman’s hand.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who’s in the Top 10 in his place?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could buy that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Southeast Goalie News:
Per @jwaltonhockey, the Bears have signed Jason Bacashihua. That can’t be good for Braden Holtby, can it?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bears don’t want to go with two youngsters, even with one of them winning a Calder Cup. Seemed that the plan all along in Hershey as for Yingst to find a veteran backup.
I think they were particularly worried that Varly might get hurt, Neuvy gets called up, and Bears are left with Holtby #1.
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understood, but where does that leave Holtby? South Carolina to start the season, I guess?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can they/would they carry three? Doesn’t seem like a bad idea to have Holtby get his first pro experience in the East Coast league.
by Stephen Pepper on Jul 31, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, that means what for the depth chart?
Capitals: Theo / Varly
Bears: Neuvy / Cash
Stringrays: Holtby / ???? (Reimer is a Toronto prospect, right? And, Boutin is a Tampa prospect? Who takes precedence in a possible backup role there, and/or are either still around?) I would love to know how this all works!
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Jul 31, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So in the last Old Barn show, Walton discussed this. He basically said he thought the team would probably carry 3 goalies all year as a hedge not just for injuries at Hershey, but in Washington as well. If Theo or Varly are out for a few games and Neuvirth comes up, that leaves Holtby all alone in Hershey. Not a good situation. Better to have an experienced hand to fall back on as a third option.
The way things went last year in Hershey’s net, this seems wise.
by Gould Old Days on Jul 31, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and in case it isn’t clear, the idea is that Neuvirth and Holtby get almost all the playing time. The backup is a true backup. Anyone know anything about Bacashihua?
by Gould Old Days on Jul 31, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not much, other than at one time he was a hot prospect, but obviously he fizzled.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes a lot of sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 31, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Further evidence that Walton came up with it — not me…
by Gould Old Days on Jul 31, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where does that leave Holtby
Repainting his helmet. :(
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Jul 31, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is the ECHL really a better league for goalies? Skaters at least get the experience of playing against men but I don’t see how a goalie benefits from it. GMGM said both Varlamov and Neuvirth were above the ECHL level last off-season and Neuvirth only went there as a last resort. May as well keep Holtby in the W if he’s not playing in Hershey. The only downside I can see to that is that the Bears may not be able to call Holtby up from the W like they can from the E.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming he’s eligible now (I think he is), he’s pretty much maxed out at the W, and the E (if anything) would perhaps make him a for sure #1. Plus McPhee said at the end of last year they’d promote him. But I’d guess this is to remind everyone there are no guarantees.
It’s not like the Bears won’t do well with two 20 year old goalies or anything.
"The passion of our supporters cannot be contained by clothing."
by Bald Pollack on Jul 31, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that’s why I’m confused. Neuvirth can obviously handle whatever he faces in the AHL and Holtby was an absolute workhorse in the W so he should be able to handle a few straight starts if Neuvirth has to get called up. The only time Hershey needs to be concerned about whether or not Neuvirth will be around is the playoffs. There is enough talent on Hershey that they’ll make the playoffs almost regardless of who plays net. I don’t think this move is meant to push Holtby out of the A.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it’s actually Hershey (rather than Washington) who signed Jason Bacashihua. If that’s the case, it’s probably just to have him serve as a backup in case of injuries/callups rather than a decision that’s going to affect Capitals personnel.
by David M. Getz on Jul 31, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They did, but if they’re signing him to be their backup then that obviously impacts Holtby. If they’re signing him to be their backup backup, then it’s not an issue.
by brs03 on Jul 31, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree with you there. The ECHL game I went to last season, Florida vs Miss. (now defunct) confirmed my memories of the league. There wasn’t a sniper in the lot for either team.
As others have posted I assume Caps they are hedging their bets and Holtby will get the bulk of his work in Hershey next year. All it takes is an injury or trade and the numbers look different.
by CP2Devil on Jul 31, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I almost feel like this could be more for SC. I mean there’ll likely be a competition in camp, but Cash isn’t really all that great. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Holtby making the Bears full time still.
Interesting nonetheless.
by brs03 on Jul 31, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aren’t there only ten goaltenders in the Southeast division at any one time?
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on Jul 31, 2009 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Could be more if a team carries three…over a season though a team can have lots…that’s where guys like Neuvirth come in
by red army line on Jul 31, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
iirc, The Caps alone had six goalies on their roster at some point this season! (Theo, Johnny, Varly, Neuvy, Cheese, and everyone’s favorite web-editing hero)
by RedBirdie on Jul 31, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prestigious list, isn’t it?
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Jul 31, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps in the same way a list of American Idol winners is a “prestigious” list.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 31, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d put Smith and Clemmensen ahead of JT. JT seems to get extra credit for a long career. Having watched both Smith and Clemmensen some last season I’d put them well ahead of JT. I realize they have smaller body of work but then again so does Varly.
This list is worse talent wise than D-men list. Its amazing any team in this division wins more than 5 games in a season.
by CP2Devil on Jul 31, 2009 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A) They play each other so someone’s gotta be winning; B) Go back to the forwards list.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know. I wasn’t really seriously responding.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jul 31, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, sorry. I swear sometimes there needs to be a sarcasm button. :-)
by CP2Devil on Aug 1, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe tacking on </sarcasm> to the end?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Aug 1, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like tacking emoticons or signals on at the end. It just kinda takes away from the impact I guess (though it would undoubtedly spare some toes).
by Fehr and Balanced on Aug 1, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Done that before but it doesn’t have the fun or twist that sarcasm truly needs. :-)
by CP2Devil on Aug 1, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Niittymaki and Clemmensen seem underranked in my mind. I would put both ahead of Varlamov, who I think is really still an unproven quantity. He had two strong partial playoff series, but hasn’t faced anything near the grind of an 82 game season.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Aug 1, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d be closer to buying Niitty, though he’s pretty much proven at this point that he can’t be a #1 goalie – every time he got the chance in Philly, he phailed. In his career, he’s 60-58-23/3.07/.900 as a starter and has never started a playoff game. Further, in the two seasons in which he started more than half his team’s games, he’s 31-42-15/3.25/.894. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Varlamov – right now – is a better goalie.
And Clemmensen is a 32-year-old who’d never played more than 13 games in an NHL season before he got hot at the right time last year. In fact, a year ago he was a 31-year-old with fewer career starts than Varlamov has now (including playoffs).
Varly’s definitely unproven, but if “the grind of an 82-game season” is your criteria, neither of those other guys have proven they can do it either. Oh, and related to that point, the 60 games Varly played in the RSL in 2007-08 is only behind Niitty’s 2003-04 and 2004-05 AHL seasons in terms of games played in a season by any of these three goalies (Clemmer’s only topped 47 once).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 2, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
69 | 46 | 14 | 9 | 101 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
68 | 28 | 28 | 12 | 68 |
|
Atlanta
|
68 | 28 | 29 | 11 | 67 |
|
Florida
|
67 | 28 | 29 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
68 | 28 | 32 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.16.2010 at 8:32 AM EDT)
The Vault
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Video: Frattin's nasty hit leads to suspension in college hockey
- Monday's Three Stars: Huselius' four-point night; Homer wins it
- Puck Previews: Red Wings, Flames battle for final playoff spot
- Ovechkin gets 2-game suspension; NHL calls hit 'reckless'
- Versus, DirecTV deal done; satellite fans get their playoff hockey
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
