Budding Budaj

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 17, 2008 1:53 PM MST Comment 7 comments

Peter Budaj has been really good lately (sorry for the lack of a spoiler warning). After starting 0-3, Budaj is 6-4 with a shutout. You may not have noticed, but he has better numbers than a certain someone, but this isn't about comparing him to other players. It's about comparing him to...him.

One of Budaj's major stengths last year was that he was a very good first period goalie - his .914 save percentage in the first period gave the Avs a chance to get the early lead. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to sustain that good start and his save percentage dropped as the game went on:

1st: .914
2nd: .909
3rd: .898
OT: .667 (ouch)

This season started in a similar fashion, with Budaj putting up a dismal .792 save percentage (16-77) in his first 12 games, giving up at least one 3rd period goal in all but 3 of those games. The lowest of the low came on November 3rd against Chicago when the entire team stopped and Budaj allowed 4 4th period goals. In the 4 games since, Budaj has been perfect in the 3rd (and OT), stopping all 40 shots he's faced. His 3rd period save percentage is still poor (.861), but it's climbing. I don't know if it's a matter of conditioning, mental focus or the play of the defense in front, but this trend will absolutely need to continue.

Budaj's other big shortcoming last year was his perfmance against the powerplay. He allowed 27 PP goals, just 2 less than Theodore despite playing significantly less often (188 SH minutes to 300 for Theodore). Once again, the early trend was more of the same, with 7 PP goals scored against Budaj in his first 5 games. He's improved substantially since, though, allowing just 3 in his last 9 games.

He also has 3 shootout victories (besting Ryan Miller, Roberto Loungo and, filling the role of one of these things that's not like the others, Dwayne Roloson). Those 3 shootout wins ties him with Carey Price and Dany Sabourin (seriously?) for tops in the NHL. One more shootout win and he matches his total for the previous two years combined. In '06 -'07 and '07-'08, Budaj was 44th and 50th respectively in SO save percentage. This year, he's 18th with a respectable .692 save percentage.

Peter Budaj is playing terrific hockey. The fact that he's improved so much in some areas he's traditionally struggled is encouraging...but could also be a an area of concern. Has he really turned the corner or is he just riding a hot streak? I believe in Budaj, but I personally tend to believe the answer is somewhere in the middle.

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shootout

Theo was money in the shootout but now I’m starting to feel the same with Boots. I remember reading somewhere that the shootout was Budaj’s strong suit coming into the league but his poor record suggested otherwise. I’m glad he has is getting into a groove though.

Its weird that being particularly stong or weak in a “gimmick” to avoid ties can matter so much. (Or, in the case of the playoffs, being strong in the shootout is worthless).

InYoFace Phadouche! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Nov 17, 2008 5:07 PM MST reply actions

Its weird that being particularly stong or weak in a "gimmick" to avoid ties can matter so much. (Or, in the case of the playoffs, being strong in the shootout is worthless).

I’d prefer Budaj never get any shootout experience because there’s no shootouts.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 17, 2008 6:42 PM MST up reply actions

You must be an idealist. I’d prefer that too but I don’t think the shootout will ever go away.

InYoFace Phadouche! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Nov 17, 2008 7:06 PM MST up reply actions

A man can dream, can’t he?

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 18, 2008 6:05 AM MST up reply actions

Budaj’s other big shortcoming last year was his perfmance against the powerplay. He allowed 27 PP goals, just 2 less than Theodore despite playing significantly less often (188 SH minutes to 300 for Theodore).

While this is a good stat, I think that the penalty kill is more of a TEAM stat. Yes the puck ultimately does get past the goalie, but if the team is weak on the puck, doesn’t clear it, it is gonna eventually end up behind you.

Once again, the early trend was more of the same, with 7 PP goals scored against Budaj in his first 5 games. He’s improved substantially since, though, allowing just 3 in his last 9 games.

The team’s overall defense has improved as a whole during the last 9 games, which is gonna bring those numbers down. Don’t get me wrong, Budes absolutely played out of his MIND against Vancouver (I was fortunate enough to be 21 rows behind the goal at that game) and Edmonton. Overall I just wanted to add a little to your story. :-)

"I can't hear Jeremy because I have my 2 Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears!" -Patrick Roy

by Derek B on Nov 17, 2008 6:58 PM MST reply actions

While this is a good stat, I think that the penalty kill is more of a TEAM stat. Yes the puck ultimately does get past the goalie, but if the team is weak on the puck, doesn’t clear it, it is gonna eventually end up behind you.

it is to a degree. But my point was that both Theo and Budaj were playing with the same PK team so their numbers should have been much closer

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 18, 2008 11:38 AM MST up reply actions