Washington Capitals want Tomas Vokoun to replace Michal Neuvirth as No.1 Goalie –NHL Update
After signing the top prospect goalie, Tomas Vokoun, to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, when the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) free agency officially kicked off, Washington Capitals now hope that he will perform at such a level during training camp,
that they will consider making him number one, replacing current main goalie, Michal Neuvirth.
Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau was not hesitant in making the announcement about a highly possible shift in their line-up.
"We're always going to play who we think is the best, but if you're looking at a guy that has experience and everything and has been a No. 1 goalie, you have to give Vokoun the respect that he's coming in and going to be the No. 1 guy", Boudreau said. "We'll
see where it goes from there".
It is hard to disagree with a coach that has been leading his team to the top spot in the Eastern Conference for consecutive seasons, but then has to face an early elimination in the playoffs. In the last postseason, Washington ranked number one in the East,
but was eliminated in round-two of the playoffs.
Neuvirth remained Washington’s main goalie last season and maintained a .914 save percentage with 2.45 goals against average. The 23-year-old form Usti Labem, Czech Republic, might have remained untouchable throughout the season, but lacked the experience
to keep up in the playoffs.
Vokoun on the other hand, has over 13 seasons of experience in the major league. He played 57 games last season with Florida Panthers and was the only reason that they won a few games. He boasts a .922 save percentage from last season and 2.55 goals against
average.
"He's a top, elite goalie in the NHL and now I think we've got two really good goalies," Boudreau said on Monday. "Even though we had all the faith in the world in Braden and Michal, it gives Braden a chance to play a little more before he gets thrown in
the fire."
Vokoun might not have signed for what he truly is worth with a $5.7 million salary cap hit, but is signed with a much better team than before.
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