Are the Avs goaltending issues finally over?

Question

They don't exactly have Ken Dryden in goal, but Jose Theodore and Peter Budaj have put together a nice string of 4 games of consistent goaltending now. In today's game, Budaj played a pretty solid game and ended up being named the third star. He made some very timely saves, especially at the end before Wolski got the insurance marker. The game before, Theodore stole the show, stopping 36 out of 38 enabling the Avs to pull out a victory in OT.

From articles I've read, people have been saying Budaj has not been playing well so far this season. I think some of the media aren't actually watching the games are going off Budaj's stats alone. After today's game, Budaj GAA is 2.75. Not great, but it doesn't tell of the story. The Avs defense has not been great and they've given up lots of high quality chances, while trying to play offensively-focused hockey. Still, in most games, Budaj has given them a chance to win, allowing under 3 goals. If you take out his one bad game versus Calgary,

he has a very respectable GAA of 2.19. So in reality, it's not a bad start for him at all. Jose Theodore had a bad start to the season, but recently he's been lookign stronger and stronger. IMO, Theodore might end up being a huge blessing for the Avs, not a 5.75 million dollar burden. They could end up having two strong goalies this season, which will make them a very tough team to beat.

What do you think?

Answer 1

I think Theodore and Buadaj give the Avalanche a more than capable tandem, certainly a better tandem than say Toronto or Boston has.

However, Theodore's skills have eroded to the point where his standout games are few and far between, and Budaj hasn't been in the NHL long enough to adapt to shooters.

Quenneville does have a preference for Budaj at this stage, and Giguere is shopping Theodore aggressively because the Avs can spend that money elsewhere, but at this time there are no takers (not even Phoenix or Atlanta).

Answer 2

No their goalie issues are not over. Sooner or later, the average Colorado Defence minus an injured Jordan Leopold will collapse a bit and either Budaj and/or Theodore will suffer the consequences. The Avs should look for another goalie. I would stick with Budaj since he's younger than Theodore, but they should get an experienced goalie to replace Theodore who's washed up ever since he came over from the Montreal Canadiens. He was terrible last season, and I don't think he will improve much this season. The Avs need a goalie like Marty Turco, Martin Brodeur or Roberto Luongo. With the offence the Avs have, its a pitty they dont have legitimate star goaltending.

Answer 3

Far from it, The Avs need to get rid of Theodore he is washed up and overpaid. Lets just face it until Theodore can concentrate on his game and forget his contract and his off ice shenanigans. He will never be the same as he once was. Then again if he can finally step it up to the level he was once at. Avs will be fine. Basically the goaltending situation rests in Theodores hands. Because Budaj is great but he is not yet ready to play as a number 1 starter. He will in time just not this year.

Answer 4

No, I definitely don't think it's over. I mean, sure they've put together some good games and pulled out a few W's, but they haven't proven themselves to me just yet. Like others have said, Theodore is old and is nowhere near his former days and Budaj is too young and inexperienced.

Personally, I think they need to get someone else to get things going. Though we recently made that Theodore trade w/ them, the Habs have some good young goaltending in Christobal Huet, Carey Price, and [insert first name] Halak. Biron would have been a great addition, and maybe even Kevin Weekes could have been a good pickup considering his cheap price.

Anyway, the Avs' goaltending is ok, but not good enough to get them the cup, especially with that defense. I think that's what they need to worry about first, getting some shutdown defensemen such as Chara.

Answer 5

The Avs are winning, so right now they have bigger fish to fry. Like injuries to Leopold, Hejduk, Richardson, and Skrastins. The Avs goaltending is not the problem now and was not the problem last year, it is/was their defense and huge numbers of injuries to said defense. Besides, the Sakic/Smyth combo apparently will be dangerous, and you can expect another good year from Hejduk, Stastny, and Wolski.

Answer 6

I'm not sold yet. btw, Theodore saved 39 of 41 shots against Calgary. They are playing good, but, I still don't know. I'd be much, MUCH happier if they went and got Bryzgalov from the Ducks.