Pick 'Em: Thursday's Starting Goaltender
by Becca H on Oct 12, 2011 10:00 AM EDT
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Bruce Boudreau's decision to start Michal Neuvirth in net for the team's home opener Saturday night was one that raised quite a few eyebrows (and a temper or two) around the League; after all, Tomas Vokoun had been anointed the number one guy before training camp even started, and the Opening Night start - especially when it comes at home - typically goes along with that title. We all know perfectly well that putting Neuvirth in over Vokoun for that first game was essentially a reward for an excellent training camp by the young netminder, as well as for a '10-'11 season in which he was easily one of the team's MVPs. But that didn't stop the murmurs about a brewing goalie controversy in the District.
There is no controversy, of course. To question Vokoun's claim on the starter's role is to ignore the body of work that supports it, regardless of who opened the season (and despite the fact that Neuvirth will get his fair share of games). The only problem the Caps have in net is deciding between two extremely capable goaltenders on any given night.
Which brings us to the fact that, while no controversy is looming, there is still a decision to be made about who steps onto the ice first Thursday night when the Caps take on their biggest rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On the one hand there's Neuvirth, who put together a 62-minute, 28-save performance against the Carolina Hurricanes to earn his first win of the season. He is, for all intents and purposes, the "hot hand" right now and likely gives the Caps the best chance to win - not to mention the fact that in three games against Pittsburgh last season, Neuvirth had a sparkling 2-0-1 record, with two shutouts, a .977 save percentage and a GAA of 0.65. If Boudreau's continuing his run of rewarding strong play with ice time, Neuvirth's the right choice.
On the other hand, while Vokoun's first game as a Washington Capital was a bit of an adventure (to be generous), he's still very much an elite goalie, and there's something to be said for giving him a chance at a little redemption. What better way to do that than to throw him right back in net against a bitter rival? If you want to send a message to a guy that he's The Guy, if you want to soothe some hurt feelings over that opening night "snub", and if you want to build up his confidence (which is key even for someone as veteran and experienced as Vokoun), this is how you do it.
So here's the question we'll probably ask a few times this season (again, because we're lucky, folks...not because there's a controversy) - if you're Bruce Boudreau, who is your starting goaltender for tomorrow's tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins?
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I would start Neuvy on Thursday, and then give Vokoun the Sens on Saturday. Let Vokoun have an easier team for his second game, so he can get a confidence builder.
My mind is all twisted like a peanut.
I would think a confidence builder would be a win vs. Pittsburgh…Vokoun is a veteran..he wants to play in the big games..not pad his stats vs. Ottawa.
by SA-Town on Oct 12, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Is it a big game if Pittsburgh’s two biggest stars are both out? Still bigger than Ottawa, yes, but not a big game. I’d be fine with either starting, but Neuvy still gets my vote – he’s awesome against the Pens.
My mind is all twisted like a peanut.
it’s always a big game, no matter who is actually wearing those sweaters.
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Pittsburgh minus Sid and Geno >> Ottawa. I wouldn’t want to send the wrong message by giving Vokoun the better teams and Neuvirth the worse teams, though, if I were coaching. I think I’d give both to Vokoun, and see how he does.
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
My vote for Neuvi is in no way a knock against Vokoun, who is the #1 guy despite a shaky first game. I justr think that, given the history, Neuvi should get every chance possible to beat the Penguins.
See, I think you let Vokoun face them this week. I see this as a perfect opportunity for Vokoun to get his head in the right place and show that the organization and team are behind him, in a situation where the psychological value of a win probably exceeds the actual challenge he’ll face from an injury depleted Pens roster.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Neuvy
But it doesn’t mean I think Vokoun’s a bust. It means we should take advantage of the fact that we have two great goalies, and one of them just had a rough night.
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George and Bruce are playing paper scissors rocks even as we speak type.
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I’d be concerned with the long-term ramifications of giving Neuvirth the start. Which goalie gives us the best chance to win the cup this year? Based on his track record, I’d say it’s Vokoun (unless Vokoun caught a case of the Young Guns and didn’t work hard enough in the offseason).
Starting Neuvirth in two of the first three games essentially sends the message that these two are going to split time this season, and there’s no reason to staple an elite goalie to the bench that often.
My thoughts exactly
It has to be Vokoun.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
But should performance be the primary factor right now? Come April (and hopefully later) I think it should…but game 3 of the season?
I’m not passionate about it either way, but if BB is serious about rewarding performance, then it makes sense to me. Vokoun will get his starts.
But it’s definitely easier to just bench kids than veterans.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
The trouble is, to make a decision this early in the season based purely on performance shows a lack of understanding of hockey (and sports in general). You have a tested veteran in a new city, and a solid young goalie. One of them was clearly the #1 goalie on day 1 of the season, and there is no way that has changed in 2 games. By starting Neuvy you undermine your credibility as a coach who understands that one good or bad night doesn’t change who you are as a player (even if those games played were truly stinkers/outstanding performances).
The one way I could fathom starting Neuvy is if BB coaches this season like a Roman General, executing the idea of accountability in the most literal sense, benching 3rd/4th line players when they have a poor outing, and shuffling the lineup based on who has produced or not produced in the previous few games. I don’t necessarily think it’s a horrible idea, just a crazy one.
This is a meaningful (at least meaningful on an emotional level) game against our biggest rival (despite the lack of their two best players), on the third day of the season. Our biggest offseason acquisition and our number #1 goalie has to start this game. If he doesn’t… to me it just shows that we are unsure of ourselves and our plan yet again.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Oct 12, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, you’re right. I’ll come back when I get a clue about hockey (and sports in general).
If he played Neuvirth in game 1 because he was playing better hockey, what changes now?
And BB sat Mackan for the pre-season, kept MP in the lineup for game 2, shuffling him down, sitting Beagle. If the whole “play well for ice time” is real, then I don’t see why there’s a need to abandon it now. I don’t think it’ll crush Vokoun, I don’t think it really matters a whole lot regardless. I don’t think it shows BB is unsure of anything other than which goalie is the hot hand. I’m not sure how playing Neuvy undermines any credibility,either. If anything it’s the opposite; playing Vokoun undermines the new accountability regime.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
If he played Neuvirth in game 1 because he was playing better hockey, what changes now?
This about sums it up perfectly
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
Well, I think there’s a bit more urgency to get Vokoun on track than there was then, so that’s changed.
FWIW, if I was a head coach I’d tell my G’s two games ahead of time who’s starting and stick to it. Then no one feels that one game is making or breaking their role and that the coach is making knee-jerk decisions. That would obviously be subject to change later in the season, but in October, I’d pencil in the whole month and try not to stray from it – no need to “ride the hot hand” now.
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by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I would love to see that happen but if BB is going to stick with his “ride the hot hand” ways and his new accountability ways, then it has to apply to goalies too, right? Feel like his approach loses credibility if it’s not the same across the board
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
Eh, goalies are different. You can’t take away a goalies PP time or bump him down a line, skip a shift, etc.
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He’d dress, but he’d be on PP2, if that.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 12, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’d say it’s simple psychology. Start Neuvy, and Vokoun gets even less confident. Then you are hurting yourself in the long-run. Give Vokoun the start against an offensively-challenged line-up, and get him some confidence.
Well said. I think Neuvy, while conceding nothing, has processed this over and over in his head, and he has less to lose than Vokoun, at this point.
As JP said, Neuvy gives them the best chance to win, as he seems to be in a groove. But even that is subjective. But when is Vokoun going to see three shots launched from the coffin corner that actually go in AGAIN in his career? Not very likely. No, we know what Neuvy can do. BB needs to find out is Vokes is worth hitching the wagon to. (Get it – Vokeswagon?)
by S h a g g y on Oct 12, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Vokoun…the best thing for any athlete after a piss poor performance is to get right back into the action…
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Pretty sure I’m voting Vokoun. At this point, getting his head straight is more important than giving the team its by-the-book best chance to win, and giving him the start shows confidence, even if he doesn’t perform well.
Of course, it also sends a message to Neuvy, but Neuvy’s nothing if not mentally strong.
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by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 5 recs
benching Neuvy might cause him to show Bruce that the wrong choice was made. He won’t let in a goal the rest of the season. “Not the right guy to start? I’ll show him.”
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Vokoun needs some experience playing in the big games in a Caps sweater. Lets also be honest….Thursday night would be the biggest spotlight he has played under in years.
Vokoun has played in the Olympics. I’m pretty sure that’s a bigger spotlight than an October NHL game.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I vote Neuvy. Not because I don’t think Vokoun can’t step it up, but we know Neuvy will step it up again the Pens, and he’s looked better (in an admittedly absurdly small sample size) so far.
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Btw, ironic how it’s all played out, given BB’s quote from last week:
"Tomas is number one, but we’ve got a number one-A," Boudreau said following Washington’s 4-1 win over the Blackhawks. "Training camp, you’ve got guys that come in that deserve the respect to be where they were and Tomas has earned that. Michal’s been very good…Michal’s going to play a lot of hockey this year but I don’t think you look at that.
"It’d be like saying, okay, Jason Chimera played better than Alex Ovechkin in the preseason," he continued. "Does that mean Jason Chimera is now the number one left wing over Alex Ovechkin? I don’t think that’s a fair question."
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by J.P. on Oct 12, 2011 10:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The Caps have some great goalie prospects, and I would hate to see Boudreau’s confusing/poor management style for goaltenders make good goalies not want to play in Washington.
"Everybody should have that motivation to be the best at what they do. If I am or if I'm not, it's irrelevant what other people think; it's what I believe." - Olaf Kolzig
Ironic is a charitable way of putting it. Moronic is another way of putting it.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Oct 12, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Despite Neuvis absolutely ridiculous stats against Pittsburgh, we need to think “playoffs”. If Vokoun is going to be our guy in the playoffs, and with the way Pitt is playing under Bylsma, it almost a sure thing the road to the Cup will go through Pittsburgh. If Vokoun is supposed to be our guy then, we should make him our guy now. Let him get the experience against Pitt now.
they’ve played 3 games. A little early to declare the road to the Cup goes through Pittsburgh, no?
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Sure, but given how they ended last season and have started this season, I think it’s pretty easy to say they become the favorite in the east immediately when Crosby returns. So unless you think he’s going to miss the entire season I’d say it’s fair to assume they’ll be the team to beat when the playoffs role around.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 12, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I think the “top teams” in the east are pretty much a lock, lets be honest. Pittsburgh, especially, considering what Bylsma did last spring and is currently doing without Geno and Sid. I think its realistic to say that Geno and Sid will be back for les playoffs this year. Hence, why not plan for playing them in the spring?
Said it yesterday and I’ll say it again. Two points is two points so I’d vote for the guy who’s proven he can handle the Pens. There’s 78 more games that can be used to help Vokoun get use to playing here before the playoffs.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
This makes a lot of sense, true – yet I think we all are itching to see Vokoun be Vokoun, as we are waiting for Ovie to Ovie.
by S h a g g y on Oct 12, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
who’s proven he can handle the Pens
Three games is hardly “proof.”
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Could the question be moot? Per everyone, Vokoun’s on the ice for practice this morning and Neuvy is not. Stay tuned.
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Uh… Vokoun needs practice and Neuvirth doesn’t?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Oct 12, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
“Official word on Michal Neuvirth will come from Bruce Boudreau, #Caps spokesman says.” – Whyno
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Did Neuvirth miss the plane?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Not hearing anything on a Holtby callup makes me wonder that it’s not the usual, “he tweaked something, and we’re not going to risk him” this early in the season.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Neuvirth vs. Pittsburgh
3 games, 2-0-0, 0.65, .977, two shutouts
Neuvirth, then give Vokoun pretty much the rest of the month.
If you've read this far...seek help.
shouldn’t that be 2-0-1?
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yes, it should. We’re not having a good day at the keyboard.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Although T-Vo is no stiff against the Pens. He’s got a 7-9-2-4 record (two ties), but a 2.67 GAA and .923 save percentage with two shutouts in 23 games
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 12, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
…on fairly crappy teams most of the time, btw.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Becca! we missed you in hockey OT last night :)
my snarking below aside, I’m guessing a .923 is probably one of the higher SV% in the league for goalies who have at least 10 starts against the flightless fowl.
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Yeah, it’s not bad. I’m also going to go way out on a limb and say that Neuvy’s numbers against Pitt so far are probably not sustainable over a larger sample…but then I’m not so great at the stats stuff ;)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Michal Neuvirth scoffs that that pedestrian .923.
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where’s the “it doesn’t matter the Pens don’t have Crosby or Malkin so this game doesn’t really count” answer that will be spouted by the media?
That’s why Neuvy’s not playing. He only wants games against a full lineup to keep his sparkling numbers untainted by doubt.
Of course, if we can just replay the Bylsma quote before every game, Neuvy probably won’t give up another Penguins goal in his life.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
just got to have smeone whisper in Neuvy’s ear before the takes the ice, “Shaky. You’re shaky.”
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Shaky Shaky
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
After the Caps win (if they do), you’ll see it.
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by red army line on Oct 12, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Bruce gives Vokoun the start even though I would start Neuvy strictly based on numbers. I can’t really argue with starting either one since there are very strong arguments both ways and honestly I’m just ecstatic we are in a situation where we have 2 stud goalies. I mean it’s really a win/win situation.
by Beakers Lab on Oct 12, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
zz
while this may still be kind of a 1a 1b situation…it’s not varly and neuvy. this is a 100% starting vet goalie and a kid who could be a starting goalie. The nod goes to The Koun.
All the beat reporters posted updates about Neuvy not practicing, but Gormley says
Neuvirth was expected to start in goal Thursday night against the Penguins.
Presumption, or did everyone else miss something?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
do we know yet why Neuvy is not practicing?
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Oct 12, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Brian McNally:
Minor off-ice injury to Michal Neuvirth, apparently. Bruce Boudreau will address his status in a few. Not known if he will be w team in Pitt
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“Minor off-ice injury to Michal Neuvirth, apparently. Bruce Boudreau will address his status in a few. Not known if he will be w team in Pitt” – McNally
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Looks like BB may get off easy this time…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Well then, every Neuvy argument is now moot.
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
’Twould seem that way.
Interesting discussion nonetheless.
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Should Holtby get the start on Saturday if he gets recalled? The game is on HNIC…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm, pictures of the off-ice injury, or this is an internal plan to ease on the goalie "controversies" fodder for the media.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Oct 12, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I asked him on Twitter. Crickets so far.
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Vokoun. I don’t think it much matters in the long run, though.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Oct 12, 2011 12:00 PM EDT reply actions
Players gonna hate.
No baseball hat secretes enough Penguin bloodlust for proper indoctrination: remember what happened to Brent Johnson?
Turn on your TV.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
I don’t understand this comment. I’m sure I’m out of the loop on something. Would you mind enlightening me with a clarifying statement?
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
I think rlb is saying that you have to play against Pittsburgh to be baptized into the rivalry properly — by being a back up (“wearing the baseball hat”), Johnny didn’t play enough against Pitt while he was here and then went to Pittsburgh when the Caps were done with him.
…I think. Not saying I agree, just trying to parse.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
@kcarrera
Boudreau said Neuvirth could still play for the #Caps vs #Pens. He’s day to day w/ a lower body injury, wasn’t able to practice today.
Why risk it? Just play Vokoun vs Pens and Neuvy vs Sens. No need to rush Neuvy back for the third game of the season
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
by sami426 on Oct 12, 2011 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
what did he do, stub his toe while walking the dog?
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by RedBirdie on Oct 12, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
So Bruce is messing with us again.
Bmcnally14Brian McNally
Boudreau says Michal Neuvirth could still play tomorrow. Day-to-day w/ lower-body injury. Holtby recall also possible. #caps
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I have to wonder why, if Neuvirth is day-to-day, there would even be a chance he plays tomorrow – I’m hoping this is just BB bullshitting the media and not a true statement.
It’s the third game of the season, it’s October, there’s an excellent goalie ready to go in Vokoun and as much as we don’t like losing to Pittsburgh, the season doesn’t hinge on beating them tomorrow. If they’re really being “overly cautious” with injuries, than be overly cautious, dammit.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
This. If Neuvirth is hurt, let him sit. For goodness sake, it’s Game 3 Bruce and you have a dynamite goalie available. There’s absolutely no point in pushing Neuvirth, even if he seems “able” to play.
by Charlie Foxtrot on Oct 12, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Right? Especially since they’ve already had to give him a little time off in preseason for an injury. Better to give him some time off, get Vokoun some games (so he can get comfortable with his D, for crying out loud) and make sure this doesn’t turn into a chronic problem.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I have to wonder why, if Neuvirth is day-to-day, there would even be a chance he plays tomorrow
Because he’s day-to-day, which means that while he’s injured today, he might not be tomorrow. And if he’s healthy – really and truly – tomorrow, why sit him?
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That said, if he’s not healthy enough to practice today, he’s not going to be healthy enough to start tomorrow. And if he’s not healthy enough to start tomorrow, he’s not healthy enough to play tomorrow. So I won’t be particularly happy if he’s on the bench as a back-up unless it was Bruce’s plan to go with Vokes all along.
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That’s kind of my point. I’d have to think it’s pretty rare for someone to be injured enough to be “day-to-day” one day and then literally the next day is 100% healthy and ready to go. Sure, it fits the strictest definition of the term "day-to-day" but I think we all know it doesn’t usually work that way.
I’m chalking this up to BB trying to mess w/ the Penguins’ collective heads (not that it’s likely to do much). Consider that he kept his decision re: Beagle/Perreault/Johansson top secret right up until warm-ups before the Tampa game, and that was just a change in the fourth line.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I’d have to think it’s pretty rare for someone to be injured enough to be "day-to-day" one day and then literally the next day is 100% healthy and ready to go.
Eh, I don’t know that it’s that rare. Maybe today’s that “one more day” – some day has to be.
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I was about to snark something like a shaving cut, but then I remembered it’s “lower body”. So I like Birdie’s crack about stubbing his toe.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
At least the Caps got rid of the young goalie with the lower-body problems…
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Neuvy has one of those Fisher Price razors you give your kids so they can pretend to be like dad.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
He still might have cut himself shaving…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 12, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Touche.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Oct 12, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Dropping this into the mix based on Monday’s game and all, but how much should Vokoun’s off/pre-season be taken into added consideration? Guy did have to go bury a best friend from the Lokomotiv tragedy and his work since then was absent/fleeting, and even Prior seems to suggest a AO-like strategy for working him into shape.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
It has to be unimaginably difficult to bury a close hockey friend, especially when playing hockey is your job. Goalies play a position that’s more mental than any other in hockey. I could see the loss of a friend being distracting on the ice, I could also see wanting to win in that friend’s honor, and putting an added burden on yourself that gets you off your game.
I’m not exactly sure what “working him into shape” means. It certainly didn’t look like endurance was the issue on Monday night, as he improved significantly as the game wore on. Perhaps Prior was referring to Vokoun getting into a rhythm and getting re-adjusted to NHL speed having missed some practices at camp and some preseason starts.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
To clarify the “whis” phrase, from Gormley:
Following the crash, Vokoun returned to his native Czech Republic for funeral services and did not skate the entire week before camp. As a result the Caps allowed Vokoun to work his way into shape, giving him just three starts in the preseason.
So yeah, not Prior. Bad, mine.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 12, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
although it wouldn’t’ surprise me that “the Caps” really means “Prior told Boudreau this is how Vokoun should be handled”
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I was thinking that the fact this is the Lokomotiv tribute game, combined with all the other very good hockey reasons (even aside from Neuvy’s injury), Vokoun should be given the start. While playing for his lost best friend could have a deleterious effect, I think it’s more likely that it adds to Vokoun’s desire to win and prove something following Monday’s game.
by Aliceanna on Oct 12, 2011 2:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
Ooh… That’s another good point I hadn’t thought of…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Oct 12, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow. I hadn’t even thought of the Loko tribute when I voted for Vokoun. It’s going to be an emotional game for a number of the players, but especially Vokoun.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
It sounded like Vokoun had to deal with multiple friends dying in the tragedy. There was Skrastins, his close friend, who was a teammate of his with both the Nashville Predators and the Florida Panthers. And then his friend from the Czech Republic, Pavol Demitra.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
regardless of who starts tomorrow, this is a pretty beautiful thing:
[Neuvirth] currently has a 144:43 shutout streak against Pittsburgh.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
blame it on McNally, he’s the one that posted it!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
The objective of not starting Vokoun, IMO, would be to make sure he is held accountable for his play.
If you ask me, he’s held himself to account plenty already. He does not need the coaching staff to tell him that he needs to step up his game.
A start and a solid game against Pittsburgh will give him a chance to redeem himself and put himself in more of a leadership position on the team. I give him the nod
The objective of not starting Vokoun, IMO, would be to make sure he is held accountable for his play.
Agreed, though the flip side is that it would reward Neuvy for his play.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Neuvy’s opening night play wasn’t what I’d call bad, but it wasn’t exactly what I’d be rewarding, either
I thought he was very good, and he had a very strong pre-season.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
opening night? his play left something to be desired. he didn’t play the puck well, and his positioning was a bit rough. Not horrible, but I think he didn’t exactly fire a strong opening shot in a goaltending struggle
he stopped all but 1 ES shot—and that shot came with Carolina’s goalie pulled. Was it one of his I’m-the-best-damn-goalie-you’ve-ever-seen games? No. But I didn’t think it was worrisome, either.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Neuvy wasn’t his best “shut the door” mode, but I agree it’s not worrisome. I thought both goalies stepped it up considerably when the game was on the line in OT.
by capsyoungguns on Oct 12, 2011 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree – both PP goals were far more about shitty PK work than anything Neuvy did.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 12, 2011 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
There were also far too many players watching the puck on that last goal.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
by AMusingFool on Oct 13, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
My vote was for Vokoun, but to be fair that is after Neuvy missed practice today. Prior to today, I’d have voted for Neuvy strictly based on last season’s play vs. them. The guy that called Neuvy shaky is still behind the Pens’ bench, and that seemed to be the catalyst for Neuvy becoming The Czech Wall against them last year.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses...
Here’s a question: Which would you prefer?
1-0-1 1.00GAA .977 SV%
or
2-0-0 4.00 Gaa .864 SV%
Hehe, Varly’s 2 game stats vs. the Caps stats. Though I truly think that the Vokoun/Neuvy tandem will end up with numbers comparable to Varly’s (and a much better record), the kid is off to a nice start at his new home. Shut out the defending Stanley Cup champs? Don’t mind if I do…
I don't know, maybe it was the roses...
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