Here is a good blog post at Japers’ Rink about the play of goaltender Cristobal Huet.
From a purely statistical stand point and productivity point of view, he had superior numbers compared to almost all goaltenders around the NHL and a great winning percentage to help us get to the division championship and the playoffs. We must also remember that he had two losses in the late season Boston and Penguins game that he played remarkably well in to boot.
You cannot fault the outcome of our coach’s decision to play the hot hand in goal. Our promise and deliverable for the year was to qualify for the playoffs - which we did – and our new goaltender played lights out to help us reach that goal. You cannot second guess a good decision.
Ted and George you guys have done a great job, but reading the post and watching Ollie’s interrview, you guys dropped the ball. You say you respect him and consider him to be always a washington Capital, but from the time of the mis-season trade to after the playoff you dont talk to him, that is just plain out disrespect for a player that gives his heart and soul to the team and community for the last 19 years. Heck one more year and he just may have gotten his wish to lift the cup with the only NHL team he has been with, the true Captain of the Caps!!!!!!! i wish you will Ollie, too bad your bosses werent as professional as you
Don’t let his agent read this!
Playing Huet in the last 7 games of the season was obviously the right call, since he went 7-0-0 with a GAA of about 1.50. He won his last 9 starts, so he was the player the Caps had to go with. In the playoffs, his GAA was not so good (just under 3) but a save percentage of .909 is good (remember, in the playoffs, you don’t get to play Atlanta, Columbus, LA, Phoenix and other bad teams…)
I am sure that if there is a deal that can be done to keep Huet here 3-4 years, it will happen. He seems happy to be here, he likes the team and he is wanted here. I have a hunch he’ll be our starter next year.
I did not think starting Huet in games 4 or 5 was a good decision and said so to everyone who came near me in those few days, much to the chagrin of my collegues (smile), but the outcome is decided so that’s that. I read the Post article this morning and immediately wrote Olie a thank you letter for everything, including making Caps fans of my son and his friends!
Hip Hip…..Hoooaaaaayyyyy!
Let’s get him locked up, and this team is in good shape for years to come!
Thanks for your commitment to the fans Ted.
You’re the best owner in hockey!
This Olie situation needs to be smoothed over some how. The article and Huet’s history indicate that he should not play more than 55-60 games, and Olie probably should not play more than 25-30 given his age. If Huet did get hurt, I would rather have Olie than anyone else. Plus, we ARE a contender next season as we have pretty much trended about a year delayed from the Penguins trend. It seems insane not to full court press Olie to staying on as Huet’s back-up. He very well could end up the number one at any point if an injury happens. I just think the situation has the potential for a resolution that is beneficial to everyone.