Caps Goalie Preview (9/18)

DCPSR Goalie Preview
Projected Starter: Joe Theodore
Projected Backup: Brent Johnson
Youngster in the Mix: Simeon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth, Daren Machensey, and Braden Holtby
The Washington Capitals fans will have to get used to something for the first time in 18 years, the lack of presence of long time Cap Olaf Klozig in the net. With the trade for Cristobal Huet at the trade deadline last season, that move effectively ended Olie’s 18 year stint with the Caps, and what a great career it was.
The Capitals worked hard in the off-season to re-ink new fan fav Cristobal Huet. Huet made overtures and gave indications of how much he enjoyed the Caps and enjoyed Washington DC. Whether it was all a facade, we will likely not know, but as opening day of free agency arrived, Huet spurned the Caps and took off for the Windy City. In response, the Capitals signed free agent Goalie Jose Theodore, formerly of the Colorado Avalanche.
In Theodore, the Caps get one of the hottest goalies down the stretch last season, joining Huet as a hot hand toward the playoff push of 2008. Theodore went 12-4-1 with a 2.27 GAA in his final 18 games. For the season, Theodore was 28-21-3 with a 2.44 GAA and a save percentage of .910. One things Caps fans need to keep in mind is, a good chunk of last season, about 80%, Kolzig was the Caps starting goalie, and struggled at times. Theodore will be between the pipes for the entire season, and if he can put in performances like he did last season, the Caps wil be very good in the net. The big question surrounding Theodore is, which one will make the appearance in DC? For the Caps, they hope the personal troubles are in the past, hockey is the main focus, and he performs as good as or better than last season. If that is the case, he will place the Capitals in a better situation between the pipes than they were for the most part of the 2007/08 season.
Barring something stunning, I think the Washington Capitals roster is set for 2008/09 with Jose Theodore as starter and Brent Johnson as backup. This will be Johnson’s 4th season with the Caps and last year was one of his best in DC. In 19 games, Johnson finished with a 7-8 record but posted a 2.67 GAA and a save percentage of .908, better than former starter Kolzig. I can remember the big tear Johnson was on last season, that ended when he was sidelined with injury for a few games. Johnson is looking forward to this season and believes his games played total will increase.
Depth wise, the Capitals have a problem other teams dream about, a log jam in the system. What is unclear right now which prospects will mind the pipes for the Caps minor league affiliate, Hershey Bears. One thing is pretty clear, the Caps apparently think Machensey, Varlamov, and Neuvirth are all above ECHL level of play. Problem is, there are three possibilities in Hershey for two spots. Our bet — the Capitals are full committed to developuing their top tow crowns of the system, Varlamov and Neuvirth. My bet is, they will both be the netminder in Hershey while Machesney goes out on loan.
The Caps have been awaiting this moment since both Varlamov and Neuvirth were selected in the first two rounds of the 2006 Entry Draft. Essentially, both of these prospects are the reason why the Capitals were unwilling to commit to a free agent goalie for 45 years, and not even really 4 years. It makes too much sense to have both in Hershey playing at that AHL level and getting use tot he North American style of play and rink size. Just makes too much sense.

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