yea, i think neuvirth is getting short sheeted here. the guy is a complete geek while varly was a very sexy choice...flashy and athletic. it appears that neuvy is not even popular in his own room.
that said, his playoff record is ridiculous. you had to figure his rookieness was going to show a little at somepoint and it did. when it did the caps were in no position to pick him up.
I think its very likely that we find out that neuvirth becomes a pure playoff rock. Meanwhile Holtby's playoff record is sketchy at best. I love Holtby. Holtby is flashy. He plays the puck, he slashes guys, he's combative, he aggresively challenges. He's flashy in a different way than is Varlamov, but he is just as flashy in his own way, if not more so.
I've seen it so many times. The unexciting option that consistantly gets the job done is constantly getting bumped to the curb for a sexier/more exciting option. After the sexy option fails, the unexciting option remains. I am thinking of Jeff Bostic right now, but it could be any number of players in
different sports.
Neuvirth is nothing special. A league average goaltender who is probably best suited to a platoon role.
Neuvirth is nothing special. A league average goaltender who is probably best suited to a platoon role.
For age 23 Neuvirth, you are correct. I see absolutely no reason he can't continue improving his game and his performance in the future. When his downside is league average, you've got a pretty good goalie. This is a kid who was dominant in the AHL, especially in the playoffs. He has the ability to steal games.
I wont take anything away from his two incredible playoff runs, but was he actually dominant over the seasons he was there? That .916 save percentage (maybe the most useful stat in hockey) is just about middle of the pack, average.
I wont take anything away from his two incredible playoff runs, but was he actually dominant over the seasons he was there? That .916 save percentage (maybe the most useful stat in hockey) is just about middle of the pack, average.
Yeah. The playoff performances are intriguing though. His arrogance and competitiveness seem to push him to a higher level of play. That said, his ability is his ability to a significant extent, and I suppose we'll have to wait and see if those mental characteristics can effect the same dominance in the world's best league.
Caps mentioned as one of eight teams interested in Kyle Turris per Dreger. Not sure where he'd really fit, though. Maybe 2W while taking face-offs for Johansson.
Dreger tends to be pretty legit. FWIW (not much) Phoenix's Director of Pro Scouting was at the game tonight. Phoenix does play both teams in about three weeks.
It's not coming from the Caps. That much is certain. Like I said, I'm not sure how he fits but as far as potential value moves and getting stronger up the middle it might be worthwhile to at least kick tires.
RH center, former third overall pick in '07. He went pro too early and was just starting to begin to reach his offensive potential in the playoffs last spring. He and his agent have seemingly bungled his exit from Phoenix and so he's a RFA in limbo. He's got until 12/1 to resolve it or else he won't be eligible to play in the NHL. Maloney has been pretty steadfast that he can sit for all he cares but it's probably better for both sides to move on. Dreger said the Caps were among six teams that have shown interest 'over time' so who knows how recently or seriously.
It's not coming from the Caps. That much is certain. Like I said, I'm not sure how he fits but as far as potential value moves and getting stronger up the middle it might be worthwhile to at least kick tires.
RH center, former third overall pick in '07. He went pro too early and was just starting to begin to reach his offensive potential in the playoffs last spring. He and his agent have seemingly bungled his exit from Phoenix and so he's a RFA in limbo. He's got until 12/1 to resolve it or else he won't be eligible to play in the NHL. Maloney has been pretty steadfast that he can sit for all he cares but it's probably better for both sides to move on. Dreger said the Caps were among six teams that have shown interest 'over time' so who knows how recently or seriously.
We were linked to Turris once over the Summer, as well. Could just be re-iterating that. Don't see how we could fit Turris in on the roster or cap-wise at this point. Over the Summer I could see McPhee making a deal for him, but not at this point.
Turris has been a Giroux type revelation (Giroux against the Pens 3 years ago) against the Wings in the playoffs last year though the sample size is very small and his conduct since then is questionable. If he can be signed for a bit less than Brouwer money to be Semin's playmaking center it could be worth a shot if Brouwer is moved to that line to compensate for the softness.
McPhee might be kicking the tires, as he should, but I think Turris is too much of a project for this team at this time. Honestly, I'd only get excited about it if the price were Jeff Schultz.
Why is there not more love for Neuvirth? The kid has what it takes.
If he doesn't come into that Canucks game and let in 4 goals or if the Capitals were able to complete the comeback, I am sure he would be getting more credit.
It is funny how people will all of a sudden dislike a goalie after 1 loss.
Does anybody actually believe he should be a starter or will be a starter next year? I know people are ripping him because of that one Canucks game and he isn't getting much love because Vokoun has had a great start...but does he have what it takes? What are the Capitals plans with him?
