Theodore Entering Camp As Number One

That is according to bench boss Bruce Boudreau. Boudreau is sticking up for last year's number one goaltender after speculation that Semyon Varlamov would be taking over the starting goal tending spot due to his shining performance in last year's playoffs. I will most likely be in the minority in saying that I am in complete agreement with Gabby. Is Theodore overpaid? Probably. Is Theodore the MVP he was back in 2002? Most likely not. But Theodore was one of the main reason for the Capitals' success last year. Theodore had very respectable numbers last year with 32 wins, and 2.87 GAA, and .900 save percentage. Theodore however was haunted by untimely goals at inopportune times. The so called "soft goal" was a sight to often seen by Caps fans last season. I don't think this is the picture of Theodore we should paint.

Theodore has proven to the league that he is a legitimate NHL goaltender. He is a former MVP and Vezina trophy winner. Most importantly in my mind is the fact that he won 32 games for us last season. The problem is his inconsistency at times and the amount of green he is going to make next year. Theodore is set to make upwards of $5 million next season which as we now has handcuffed management.

Don't get me wrong, one of the most exciting aspects about the Caps organization is that by no means are they short on goal tending. Three absolute studs are preparing to make huge impacts for the Caps in the coming years. Varlamov and Neuvirth have already seen time in the NHL, and have performed admirably. But are either of them ready for the grinds of an 82 game NHL season? Only time will tell. My question is if we have a 30 gamer winner ready to handle the grind of an NHL season coupled with the fact that he will be earning $5 million, let's use him. I would hate to see Varlamov or Neuvirth thrown into playing 60+ games if they aren't ready. They show to much promise for us to risk anything. If Theodore falters, we know that Varlamov is fully capable of being a dependable backup. Don't get me wrong, Varlamov was amazing last year, but I think he still needs to be nurtured into full time starter. And lastly, I believe Theodore deserves the opportunity to re-gain his starting job (if he ever lost it). If things don't go his way, we know we have able goaltenders to fill his spot.

Having three capable goaltenders is a great problem to have.

So what's your take? Who should be the starter?