RED ALERT: It isn't Theodore's fault

By PennSkinsFan | October 14, 2009

The Capitals are in a streak they are not used to over the past two seasons.  A 4 game losing streak.  We wrote in yesterdays mid-afternoon Red Alert that three things we believe are plaguing the Caps early on:  1) too many penalties, 2)  ineffective power play, and 3) lack of secondary line scoring. 

One thing not on that list, which coming into the season would have been the biggest question mark, is the goal tending.  Not only did Jose Theodore have significant, tragic off-season issues with the death of his child, but as a veteran, he was being challenged for the starting role by a young Russian who ousted him from that role in last season's playoffs.  That was then, this is now, and I can't help but think the Washington Capitals are blowing some of Theo's best stuff. 

It really is a shame the Caps are on a four game losing streak, and have posted a 1-2-2 record under Theodore.  His play has been way beyond the results.  The only one not surprised by Theodore's strong net performance is Theo himself.

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"Like I said in camp, I came here with a purpose," Theodore said. "I just have to say it's all about having confidence and right now, I'm feeling really good about where my game is. I've had some good stretches, but this is the best I've felt since before the lockout."

No one -- not even Theodore -- knew how he would perform after the death of his two-month-old son in August.

"I came to camp with mixed emotions," Theodore said. "The first part of the summer, my mind wasn't really on hockey. But when I was coming here in August, I was obviously working twice as hard to make up for [lost] time and training with a lot of frustration and, I guess, doing extra training on the ice, just letting everything out."

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The tragic off-season seems to have inspired Theodore as he continues to take steps through quality net-minding to lock down the starting role.  HC Bruce Boudreau has not declared Theo starter over Varlamov, but Theo is getting the bulk of net time and I would be surprised if Theo does not get the nod tomorrow against San Jose.

Theo stats:  REC:  1-2-2, GAA:  2.65.  Save %:  .910

Not bad Theo, not bad!

The one thing the Capitals need to do is finish games.  They are clearly struggling int he final period.  Captain Chris Clark thinks it may be a mental block to overcome.

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"I think it's been different each game, but now that it has happened a few times I think guys are thinking about it too much and maybe putting a lot of pressure on themselves instead of just playing the way we do the first couple periods," captain Chris Clark said. "Right now, it is something that might be a little mental, and we have to get over it because we are professionals."

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Brooks Laich agrees;

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Added Brooks Laich: "I think mental mistakes are all [that is wrong] and that encompasses everything. That's taking ill-timed penalties and turnovers, and we're a better hockey team than what we've shown. We just have to make sure the focus is better. We've talked about it, and we care about results around here - not intentions."

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Flash nearing return . . . Tomas Fleichmann is nearing his return to the ice.  Flash has been sidelined by a blood clot in his left leg.  His return could provide an immediate boost to the lack of secondary line scoring for the Caps.  Personally, I subscribe to the notion that I think Eric Fehr and Flash can provide the needed scoring boost.  Fehr is back, but needs at least a week or two to get back to game shape and stamina.  Same goes for Flash. 

Read the rest

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2009/10/red-alert-it-isnt-theodores-fault.html