If you are the Avalanche, how do you handle the goalie situation?

Question

Unlike last season, Jose Theodore has been good, and Budaj so so at best.
Do they continue to split time, or use Theodore as the starter and Budaj as his backup unless things change?

Answer 1

Yes LITY, indeed I do know. So far Theodore has been the better goalie. I don't think that they gave him a chance last season. Not once during the entire season did he get to start 3 games in a row. While his play was horrible, he still should have been given that chance. Now, this season he is showing that he can be a decent goalie. I am still not 100% sure with him though.

I think a lot will come down to tonight's game. We are playing the dead-last Oilers and Budaj is in net. If he has a bad game and we lose, I wouldn't be too surprised that Theodore gets the next couple starts. We've been alternating them for some time now, but according to reports from the Denver Post, Theodore is inching closer to the #1 job.

Theodore himself has stated that he doesn't really care too much who's in goal, as long as whoever it is helps the team win. I think he's been a very good teammate and has held a very good attitude during his horrible year last year. At least he's not a T.O. type of guy, who'll start badmouthing his teammates and the coach if he plays bad.

So far we are losing to the dead-last Oilers 3-2 in the 2nd period. Budaj could've stopped the last 2 goals, they were definitely stoppable. It looks like he has settled in, but if we lose, those 2 goals will definitely be one of the reasons. It's still too early to tell who's going to be the clear #1 starter, but if we lose today, Theodore will be the #1 guy for the time being.

mplsundin: I don't agree with you, Budaj has had a year and a half experience, that is much more than enough.

Answer 2

Lol i admire how human beings straight away blame the goalie while a set gets ruled, you the two a) dont understand lots approximately hockey or b)did no longer watch the sport. i'm a goalie and neither of the avs goalies this night had any protection, Osgood grew to become into on his A game this night and only beasted each and every subject the avs threw at him, its no longer the two of the Avs goalies fault.

Answer 3

Split starts between Theodore and Budaj, and keep Michael Wall (from the Avs' AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters) apprised of the situation so he's ready to be called up in case one of them flames out.

Answer 4

I'm still not sold on Theodore. I say you increase Budaj's ice time. I figure Budaj lacks experience, so in a year or two with appropriate ice time, he should be an exclusive starter. I have a hard time seeing Colorado as a splitter of goaltending ice time after all those Patrick Roy years. Will they ever see a goalie as great as that anytime soon? No way, but I still don't see why they can't bring up or acquire a solid starter.

Answer 5

I think they are doing the right thing. At least right now Jose looks to be returning to form. But until He can be consistant for a good deal of time keep things as they are.

Answer 6

theo is gonna be the number 1 goalie this cause he was suffering from injury and gettin bad luck and its been since the 2003 2004 that he hasnt played a good season

Answer 7

Last year Budaj did better. Maybe they play them based on the team they are playing? Splitting time might keep them fresh, but also might make them lose focus. I think maybe they should trade them both for Luongo!

Answer 8

i think they should split them based on the team they are playing

Answer 9

I'd shoot them both and play with six skaters

Answer 10

Mikey will know!