Comments on: What If Santa Has Brought Us a Stud in Net?

By: hockeygrl_76

hockeygrl_76 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:18:30 +0000

I don’t think it would hurt Varlamov to stay in Hershey to work on technique. He played awesome no doubt about it but I think there are a few things he could probably work on. No need to rush him up here.

By: TJ

TJ — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:57:35 +0000

Nice piece, but Brent Johnson doesnt say that “He’s our Henrik Lundqvist”, the quote from the WashingtonPost article has Johnson saying “He’s like [New York Rangers goaltender] Henrik Lundqvist”.
Otherwise nice post, we can dream can we.

By: Jimmy Jazz

Jimmy Jazz — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:22:47 +0000

I’m excited as well. The speed and athleticism is definitely there. The NHL no longer rewards purely reflex goalies, though. Once he gets his technique squared away, Varlamov will be very tough to beat.
Love that glove.

By: Muddapucker

Muddapucker — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:28:41 +0000

One other side…
GMGM will never show his hand. Even if it were his intention to bring Varlamov in ASAP, he’s likely to say that Varlamov needs additional AHL seasoning.
George McPhee will not devalue an asset by declaring someone else better, thereby making him expendable. George will move Theodore before he shows his hand regarding Varlamov.

By: Muddapucker

Muddapucker — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:59:43 +0000

Who knows what Caps management is thinking? I can tell you one thing… if I were in GMGM’s shoes I would be weighing carefully whether or not additional AHL seasoning is going to do Varlamov any additional good vs. preping him in the NHL for a playoff run.
The guy has played in the RSL and won, how much more can Hershey do? I understand the need to transition to the North American game, but it looks like he may have made the adjustment.
I think Theodore will make the decision for GMGM. Theodore better be looking at improving his game, quickly. Time is running out…

By: NS2NOVA

NS2NOVA — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:08:16 +0000

Hey Pucks, some good thoughts there. But I think that it may be too soon to draw conclusions. Your comparisons with Ward and Price may be justified, except in one respect. Ward and the ‘Canes had an absolute crap season the year after his amazing run to win the Cup. And Price has not been the stellar netminder of the early playoffs last year. And he seemed to fall apart against the Flyers, possibly because of the lack of experience.
All that being said though, Varlamov will be an outstanding goaltender down the road, as his performance this side of the Atlantic seems to be leading us to. But as the powers that be seem to be saying, every minute of play he gets in Hershey will only help his future, and it’s better experience for him than riding the pine as backup in the big show.

By: TG

TG — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:32:01 +0000

And let’s remember that Neuvirth is drawing raves as well.

By: Gustafsson

Gustafsson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:23:27 +0000

Love the photoshop stylings. I wonder why you haven't received negative comments on the "Iron Curtain" moniker like we did.

By: hotdog88gt

hotdog88gt — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:01:15 +0000

*If*

By: Stratocaps

Stratocaps — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:40:55 +0000

Not that you were suggesting this, but I’m unwilling to relegate Kolzig in his prime to “Beaupre” status. Put young Olie with this young team… geez, that’d be unfair.
Maybe Varlamov is in position to show that he can do the same.