Varlamov – A New Playoff Hero
Capitals Rookie Goalie May Supplant Theodore
Apr 21, 2009 Michael Spagnuolo
With his 4-0 win over the Rangers in Game 3 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Capitals' rookie Simeon Varlamov became the youngest goaltender to shutout New York at Madison Square Garden in the post-season, ever. That is quite a heady accomplishment considering all of the great young goaltenders that have come into the formidable Garden for the playoffs over the years. But in blanking the Rangers, and in giving up only one goal in two playoff starts, Varlamov may have become the newest in a long-line of rookie goalie post-season heroes.
Sometimes Rookie Goalies Thrive in the Playoffs
In 1984, it was Steve Penney for the Canadiens winning nine games in the post-season, three of them shutouts, before dropping back into hockey obscurity just as fast as he rose into its limelight. In 1986, Patrick Roy became the youngest Conn Smythe Trophy winner in league history and led the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup, the first of his four Cups. In 1988, it was the Devils riding Sean Burke and the eleven NHL regular-season games under his belt to their first playoff appearance and just one win away from the Stanley Cup finals.. And in 2006, it was Cam Ward, replacing the struggling Martin Gerber, spearheading the Carolina Hurricanes to a championship.
Playoff Experience a Myth?
For as much as hockey people value playoff experience, it seems every so often there is a Varlamov or a Penney or a Ward to debunk that belief. And while Varlamov doesn't have tons of experience yet, games like his 33-save shutout this past Monday and his near-shutout in Game 2 give players that sought-after experience, and potentially make playoff heroes out of rookies.
Varlamov: Capitals Starting Goalie Now and in the Future?
Granted Varlamov was aided by Alexander Semin's three-point night, but the Capitals' goalie looked strong in net in Game 3, and just might be the catalyst the Capitals need to regain their confidence and retake the momentum in this series. He plays bigger than his size (listed at 6'1") and is surprisingly confident for a rookie. He looks to be the man in net for the rest of the post-season, however long that lasts for the Capitals, and perhaps beyond that into next season.
Boudreau Gambles on Goalie Change ... And It Pays Off
Monday's victory was only Varlamov's seventh career start, and you wouldn't have known it, as he played as if he was a ten-year veteran. Capitals' coach Bruce Boudreau gambled on a change of goalies, after Theodore gave up four goals in Game 1 of the series, and it appears that gamble has paid off. The Capitals may have a new star on their hands, and hockey may have yet another rookie goalie post-season phenom.
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