Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 21, 2008

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

It is amazing to me that after the acquisition of Cristobal Huet and his subsequent 11-2 run to the playoffs, that the Washington Capitals would roll the dice on Mr. MVP Jose Theodore in Free Agency.

Sometimes I wonder if NHL GMs actually scout players. Are they just like joe average fan and think that adding big name players will improve their fortunes.

How else can you explain the Jose Theodore signing? The Avalanche saved the Canadiens in 2006 by taking Mr. Paris Hilton off their hands. I couldn't believe when reports had Av fans thinking this was Patrick Roy part deux. I was so happy that Theo was gone, I opened my arms towards one of the worst goalies to ever grace an NHL crease in David Aebischer. Boy were the Av fans in for a surprise.

Once upon a time Theodore was an elite goaltender. One needs to only look back on the 2002 season and his unbelievable performance in the first round of the playoffs vs. the Bruins. But one giant contract later and Theo began to worry about his hair more than stopping pucks.

So it was no shock when a goalie who went on a 4 year vacation, turns it up in his contract year to earn another large contract. And of course there was a stupid team waiting with a big cheque. A team who had the opportunity to resign the goalie who lead the team to the playoffs less than 6 months ago. Huh? With an emerging powerhouse with Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom and Semin, why roll the dice on essentially a reclamation project?

Let's just say after watching Theodore's first three games, I have seen this movie before.

On to tonight's matchups.

Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres

Looks like Manny Fernandez tonight for the Bruins, Tim Thomas has caught a cold. Wally Pip anyone?

He will be matched up against Ryan Miller for the Sabres. If I was Tim Thomas with Fernandez and Rask breathing down my neck, I would have to be Lieutenant Dan not to man the pipes.

Anaheim Ducks @ Toronto Maple Leafs

JS Giguere gets the start tonight against Roadkill. I hope the Leafs are planning on dealing him, because by the time this season is over in Toronto, Toskala may feel like various animals strewn across the Trans Canada Highway.

Vancouver Canucks @ Columbus Blue Jackets

The "Gino" Roberto Luongo is set to face off against Pascal Leclaire tonight in Columbus. Time for Luongo to step up and live up to the lofty draft selection of this season. I know I didn't pay for a 3.40 GAA and an .886 SV%.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Mr. Tremendous Upside Potential faces off against Mike Smith in Tampa Bay tonight. Still waiting Kari.

Washington Capitals @ Calgary Flames

You think Satan is watching this game in Calgary tonight? Theodore vs Kiprusoff in the battle of who owes their soul first. My money is on Theo, I think he made two deals with the devil. One for the 2002 season which he already paid off by sleeping with Paris Hilton, and two, the deal he made last season to get one last big contract.