Neuvirth and underdog status

The Hockey News published a story today on the training camp under dogs.  Listed among those is Michal Neuvirth. 

One of the more interesting training camp goalie battles will have a
long-term effect on Alex Ovechkin’s team. Jose Theodore is the
33-year-old veteran with a $4.5 million cap hit for one more season;
Semyon Varlamov is the rookie sensation and playoff savior from a
season ago who has Caps fans confident in a Cup run; and Neuvirth is a
fresh-faced 21-year-old kid who won AHL playoff MVP honors last season.

It should make for some interesting theatre and even though Neuvirth’s a long shot to make, he has a chance.

This is going to be fun to watch during the preseason.  I fully expect Semyon Varlamov and Jose Theodore to be the Capitals equation in the net.  That would leave Neuvirth out.  But, as we saw last year, injuries can wreck havoc and the Caps will have another top prospect in Neuvirth to call on if needed. 

Jose Theodore was signed to a 2 year deal to serve as the bridge to Varly and Neuvirth.  Cristobal Huet at the time wanted a five year deal to resign in Washington, something that Caps were willing to do, rightfully so.  Injuries to backup goalie Brent Johnson sped along the Varlamov move to Washington.  Combine that with the stellar play in the net during the NHL playoffs, and the future has become the present.  At least for Varlamov it has.  For Neuvirth, his time is coming, but I don’t think it will be in 2009/10. 

By this time next year, wonder if the under dog status gets affixed to Braden Holtby as Varlamov an Neuvirth battle for 1 and 2?