Why would I go with Varly?

 

Boudreau's post practice, Apr. 16, 2009. On Varlamov:

"He was 4-0-1. The game he lost against Buffalo, we put three of them in our own net. He has played in the Russian Hockey League and he's played in the world championships in front of big crowds. So it's not like he's going to be a starstruck young guy if we went with that decision."

And Jeff Klein, NYT Slap Shot blog, reminds us that

In early April, when discussing whether Varlamov would be the backup for the playoffs or whether veteran Brent Johnson would be back from hip surgery, Boudreau told the Washington Post he would not hesitate to put Varlamov in a playoff game.

“If that [happened] I wouldn’t say, ‘Oh poor Varly is in net’ ” Boudreau told the Post. “We would run with him and give him the confidence to do the job.”

Not that anybody is listening, but here's why I would go with Varly:

1. When the team has a backup in the net, the team plays tighter defensively. It's a well known trick or team's mental aspect that the coaches use in difficult situations.



2. Can Simeon do it? Yes, he can, with his great record and previous non NHL experience as Boudreau just said it above.



3. Can Simeon fail? Yes, it is possible. But it would be the chance for Theodore to come back. He did come back great vs. the same Rangers when he was pulled in 2nd period and was put back in the 3rd. He knew there was no way out because Brett Johnson was sick. If Varly will not show up his potential, it would be almost identical 'no way out' situation for Jose Theodore. And he bounced back well last time. He will also be relieved of the pressure of showing up immediately on Saturday.

Give Varly a chance and it will give a chance for Jose to recover.

But make it a game-time decision so that young kid could sleep well the next two nights.

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