RED ALERT: Theo the starter

There was a ton of talk pre-trade deadline about the need of the Washington Capitals to improve their goal tending.  Not here.  You didn't get that here.  In reality, the goalies that were available, wouldn't have been a significant upgrade enough to justify what would have likely been given up to nab either Tomas Vokoun or Tim Thomas.   The deadline moves are proving to not only be popular, but have jelled nicely with the Caps.

Jose Theodore and Semyon Varlamov now set off to prove the trust from the Caps organization was well placed.  They have done well so far, helping the Caps post a 3-0 record since the Olympic Break and trade deadline expiration.  Specifically, Theodore is making the case for the full time starting role.

That's the latest in a string of strong performances that has put the 33-year-old in firm control of the No. 1 spot. The numbers since Jan. 13 -- the day Washington began a franchise-record 14-game winning streak -- are revealing. Theodore is 12-0-2 with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Over a full season, that save percentage would rank third in the NHL and the goals-against average would be tied for 10th.

Theo just looks good in Net.  He looks comfortable and appears to be seeing the puck as well as he ever has since coming to Washington last season.  He has made some sensational saves, moving in the net real well.   Got to admit, in a weird switcharoo from late last season, I feel much more confident now, when #60 is between the pipes, than anyone else.  Why?  Because you just know Theo is on top of his game.  To me there is little question who is the starting net minder in Washington at this point.  It is $60.

Newbie D Joe Corvo is growing more comfortable and recorded his first point with the Caps against Tampa Bay.  Corvo is better after his slicing injury sustained in a November game against his new club.

"He just dumped the puck in, and I just tried to finish him off, rub him out," Corvo said. "At the time, his knee was against the boards and his skate was up. My leg swung around with full force and his leg had nowhere to go because it was against the boards. His skate went all the way in, slashing everything."

Corvo, a 32-year-old native of Illinois, was rushed to nearby Rex Hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and needed more than 100 stitches. He missed Carolina's next 28 games, and being sidelined stirred mixed emotions.

Corvo's place in Washington is going well.  He is able to record good minutes, reducing Mike Green's work load, therefore keeping Green fresher.

Read it all at

http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-capitals/red-alertl-theo-the-starter.html