Final Grade: Peter Budaj

by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 10, 2007 8:59 AM MDT in Final Grades 2007

Final Grade: B+

Midseason Grade: B+

Season Stats: 57 GP, 3198.56 Min, 2.68 GAA, 31 W, 11 L, 6 OTL, 3 SO, .905 Sv%

Splits:

1^st Half: 22 GP, 1222.07 Min, 2.41 GAA, .910 Sv%

2^nd Half: 35 GP, 1975.65 Min, 2.85 GAA, .901 Sv%

Career:

In his 2^nd NHL season, Budaj sent career highs in everything: GP (57), Minutes (3199), Shutouts (3), GAA (2.68) and Save Percentage (.905). His 31 wins were his most as a pro (previous high was 29 in 04-05 with Hershey). Budaj became just the 3^rd player in franchise history to record 30 wins and set a franchise record on with 16 consecutive decisions without a regulation loss.

Report: Budaj started the season as the backup, but had taken the starting job around 30 games in...Started 39 of the last 46 games and 17 of the last 19...Generally seemed to be solid and consistent in net...Didn't vary much from his norm – not a ton of bad games or great games...That's a good quality in my book...Generally, this team just needs a guy to keep them in games, not to win them on his own...Certainly did steal a few games, but those were more the exception than the rule...Is reported to be a student of the game, and his excellent positioning seems to lend credence to that...I noticed a few times where he was ready for a set play the other team was running, while other Avs on the ice were oblivious (the Flames' weakside Huselius pass, for example)...Doesn't have to rely on the flashy save, because he always seems to be in the right spot...Good at controlling rebounds as well...Won't be confused with Brodeur or Turco when handling the puck, but doesn't embarrass himself in that area...Seems to possess a good demeanor – rebounded well from the few tough games he had...Improved his performance in shootouts this year, but still could be better there

Fast Fact: Budaj was 8-2-2 with one shutout in games where he faced 32 shots or more.

2007-2007 Salary: $600,000

2007-2008 Status: $700,000

Outlook: Budaj has progressed beyond expectations. Two seasons ago, he seemed to project out as a solid NHL backup. Now, he's looking like #1 material and, barring a shocking move from the franchise, will go into next season as the starter. It's possible he could slip back a bit in his development with the added pressure, but I really believe he is going to be the guy in Colorado for many years.

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Comments

While I agree with you on most accounts. The B+ was still the right grade, but I think his rebounds come out front too much. I would like to see him direct them to the corners a little more. His stickhandling I thought was fairly poor, as he scared me a couple times.

Overall I can’t complain about him at all, he has stepped up and I would like to see the Avs get a solid vetren backup for him to learn from.

by Colin S. on May 10, 2007 10:32 AM MDT reply actions

You’re right, with the Avs all he needed to do was keep them in the game. The Avs’ offensive production was one of the best in the league despite not making the playoffs. Their weakness was goals allowed. If they can minimize those, their scoring power can dominate any game—-especially since all of their main goal scorers are still under contract.

by Dear Lord Stanley on May 10, 2007 2:45 PM MDT reply actions

It’s been said and I’ll say it here, Budaj is the best value in the NHL. It has everything to do with being an unproven backup that won the starting job but his salary and numbers don’t lie.

How many players could survive the Coach Q three game yank paranoia and still come out sane? How many could play with a top name goalie making eight times as much breathing over his shoulder?

I think the best thing you can say for Budaj is that he remained mentally strong. Even last year when he lost game after game after game in shootouts where he would stop three shooters and the Avs would still lose (because they couldn’t manage more than 0-1 goals in the shootout).

I think he’s got a perfect combination of size and quickness. I think he will continue to improve and despite Q’s poor handling of goaltenders I think he will remain consistent.

by Dario on May 11, 2007 2:57 PM MDT reply actions

I guess a B+ could be fair. But I would raise that just alittle considering how much pressure fell on his shoulders once again. I give him so much credit for how good our team did at the end. He is a great value and I hope he stays here for a while, it would be smart to keep him. Number one goaltender is a great spot for him, but how to get rid of theo is problem.

by Kylie on May 13, 2007 10:34 PM MDT reply actions