Simeon Varlamov's Success Not Surprising To Those In the Know

Goaltending was our No. 1 problem all year, and we had a solution to it either sitting on the bench or playing in the minors.

After all, even before the season started, I was adamant that the Capitals did not need to sign Theodore at all because I believed Varlamov was ready. I pretty much got laughed at by some of the people who consider themselves experts.

Now that Varlamov has given the Capitals what they've been missing all year it seems that nobody is laughing anymore.

Now, if only there was a way for the Capitals to buy out the second year of Theodore's contract. Otherwise, they will have a backup with a $4.5 million cap hit because once this year's playoffs are over, Varlamov will establish himself as the Capitals starter, ideally, with a cheap Brent Johnson as the veteran cover.

Lastly, if the Capitals were one of the top teams in the NHL this season not because, but despite Theodore, now that they have a real No. 1 goalie, how good are they?

The obvious answer is that they're much better than before, and that should be a scary thought for their opposition. 

Before game two of the series, I predicted that if Varlamov starts in place of Theodore, he will give the Capitals every chance to dispose of the Rangers and go deep in the playoffs.

He has done exactly that by allowing just a single goal in his first two NHL playoffs starts. Unfortunately, his teammates could not provide any goal support for him in game two, but now that the Capitals offense seems to be back to firing on all cylinders, they should not have too much trouble overturning what is now just a 2-1 series deficit.

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