Blueshirt Banter: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Interview With UMD Athletic Director, Dr. Debbie Yow

Goalie Controversy Brewing In D.C.


It's been only one game and one mediocre performance by Capitals' goalie Jose Theodore and speculation of a goaltending change in running wild. There are those that think 20 year old rookie Simeon Varlamov may get the nod for Game 2. When Threeormore was asked about a possible change in goal, he was a bit heated.

"What do you mean, a switch? It's the first game. I don't know what you're really referring to. It's 1-0 in the series. I've been down 3-1 in a series, and we came back and won. I think you're jumping the gun a little bit when your team's down 1-0."

But Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau, still fresh from being out coached by John Tortorella, kept his cards close to his chest and dodged questions about a change from reporters.

"I think all aspects of that, whether it's what's better for the team, how [does] it affect the player, how [does] it affect the dynamics of the room, all of those things always come into play, a lot of my thoughts go into what you asked, but I mean, there's an expectancy that they understand as well."

But Boudreau also had some positive things to say about his young Russian backup as well as he clearly is trying to keep his options open without tipping his hand to the Rangers.

"He has played in the Russian elite league, and he's played in the world championship in front of big crowds, so it's not like he's going to be a star-struck young guy if we went with that decision."

Coming from a Rangers fans perspective, it's obviously next to impossible to not be biased. But the Caps need to go with Theodore for game 2. It would be a complete knee jerk reaction to pull him after one lackluster performance in which the Caps had plenty of opportunities to win. If Theodore doesn't perform Saturday, then a change to Varlamov would be a good decision. But changing your starting veteran goalie after one game sends a clear message to Theodore and the team that the head coach has little to no faith in him. That not a message that should be sent after one game in the opening round in the playoffs.

Some Ranger fans are hoping that Theodore stays in b/c they think he's swiss cheese. But remember that game at MSG a few months back? Threeormore was awful early and was yanked in favor of Brent Johnson. Johnson quickly went down with an injury and Theodore stepped in and shut the door and led the Caps back from 4-0 to a 5-4 win in OT.

There are some that hope the rookie Varlamov gets put in goal Saturday. But remember, there has been a long history of rookie netminders who have stepped into the starting role in the playoffs and have done remarkably well. Has anyone ever heard of Cam Ward and the 'Canes?

Be careful what you wish for Ranger fans.

0 recs  |  Comment 3 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Around SB Nation

Top 10 Hot Bitches

Jul 2008 from Jewels From The Crown - 8 comments

Condolences For Modry

Apr 2008 from Jewels From The Crown - 0 comments

AO is Rediculous

Apr 2008 from Jewels From The Crown - 3 comments

Comments

Display:

That’s what worries me, young kid might be too stupid to be scared

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers

Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 17, 2009 5:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Exhibit one: his first NHL game was at Bell Centre and he stopped 32 of 33. He also played real well in the playoffs in the RSL last year.

by David M. Getz on Apr 17, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly my point. As a Ranger fan, I don’t want part of young backups

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers

Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 17, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SBNation home for the New York Rangers, where the next Stanley Cup is only 38 years away.
Start posting about the Rangers »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
Who has NHL 10 for the 360?
Small
The future isn't now
Small
HEART
Small
Why Sell?
Small
Two Rumored Oiler Deals
Msg_10_small
Will the Rangers ever get lucky!!
Jokinen-newman_small
What was the Olli Jokinen, Turkey Girl Internet Meme
Fishsticks_small
Strategy Down the Stretch
Fishsticks_small
Hanks Olympic Hopes
Sean_avery_01_small
God do I miss Sean Avery

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Atlantic Standings

GP W L OTL PT
New Jersey 58 36 20 2 74
Pittsburgh 59 35 22 2 72
Philadelphia 57 29 25 3 61
New York Rangers 59 26 26 7 59
New York Islanders 58 23 27 8 54

(updated 2.9.2010 at 9:00 AM EST)

26 - 26 - 7

Won 1


Captains

Blueshirt_banter_small Jim Schmiedeberg

Gabby_small Joe Fortunato

Alternates

Manicranger_small Ryan McFadden

Drurybloodsmall_small Rob Luker

Blueshirt_banter_small NYRBlogger

Beersm_small Eddie "The Mouth" Gieck

Twitter_pic_small Laurie Carr