(ed.--two mintes after posting this article Damien Cox reported Semyon Varlamov would be the starter for the Cpas tonight)
Sometime very soon we will know who is starting in goal for the Washington Capitals tonight in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Centre Bell in Montreal this evening.
Sometime very soon we will know who is starting in goal for the Washington Capitals tonight in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Centre Bell in Montreal this evening.
At least we'll know by 7:00 pm.
It's well documented that Theodore did not start any of the four games the Caps against Les Habitents in the regular season. And it's widely suspected that should Theodore get the nod, he'll be subjected to loud, constant chants of "Tey-O" by the Centre Bell faithful.
But he should get the start.
Folks have been debating since he was pulled about who should get the nod for Game Three. I've got three reasons they should stick with Theodore.
1) Though the first goal was soft, the second was legit. Boudreau had to pull him more for momentum than anything else.
2) He was good in Game One.
3) If you change now, you remove the option of changing later.
Boudreau said the other day he plans on playing both goalies during the playoffs. But this is more about confidence in the veteran that has carried you all season. It's true Boudreau abandoned Theodore in last year's playoffs, but he played much better this season than he did late last season.
And again, he played well in Game One.
This team has won all season with Theodore as the main goalie. Boudreau should stick with him here.
Now, about getting Green and Schultz to stand someone up at the blue line...
I agree. The best thing is to start Jose and see how he plays in the first period. If he lets in BAD goals, ie. where he's NOT left out to dry by his no-account defensemen, pull him and go with Varly the rest of the way.
of course, two minutes after i hit "post", Damien Cox announced Varlamov gets the start.
it's not that i don't have confidence in the kid, it's just that now Boudreau has no other option but to ride him.
you think the Centre Bell denizens wre going to be hard onhim if he started? wait until he would have to come in in relief!
Wow, I dont agree with Boudreau's decision there. Its gotta be the Bell Centre factor. But you're right, if Jose is brought in relief it can be a big mess.