Final Grades: Goalies
by Brett Shumway on May 11, 2010 7:00 AM MDT
in Final Grades 2010
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Craig Anderson
#41 / Goalie / Colorado Avalanche
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Born: May 21, 1981 (28 years old)
Status: One year left on bargain $1,812,500 contract
Where would the 09-10 Avalanche have landed without Craig Anderson? Maybe not last in the West, but no way in Detroit hell they make the playoffs. We've been singing Andy's praises and lauding his performance all year, and he's deserved every flattering word anyone has uttered - and then some. He is the reason the Avs got off to a hot start and were quick to find confidence in their game. While other players eventually stepped up and enjoyed break out seasons, it was the magnificent play of Craig Anderson that made it all possible. Andy came into his own, established himself as a bona fide #1 goalie, and gave an entire fan base reason to believe again.
Quick season recap:
- Signed July 1st 2009 as a Free Agent.
- Had best October in club history by posting a 10-2-2 record while tying the NHL record for wins in October, all en route to being named the NHL's First Star for the month of October.
- Named NHL second star of the week three times.
- Set all sorts of franchise records including: Games Played (71), Starts (71), Minutes played (4,235), Shots Against (2,233), and Saves (2,047).
- Set career highs in all those same categories, as well as the all important Wins (38) and Shutouts (7) columns.
- Made his NHL playoff debut this season, and quickly left his mark on the record books by establishing an NHL post-season record by making 51 saves in regulation without surrendering a goal. Suck on that Jimmy Howard.
- Made Greg Sherman look like a manager savant.
|
|
GP |
MIN |
W |
L |
OT |
GA |
GAA |
S A |
Saves |
SV% |
SO |
|
First Half |
34 |
2034 |
19 |
9 |
5 |
91 |
2.68 |
1,087 |
996 |
.916 |
3 |
|
Second Half |
37 |
2,201 |
19 |
16 |
2 |
95 |
2.58 |
1,146 |
1,051 |
.917 |
4 |
|
Season |
71 |
4,235 |
38 |
25 |
7 |
186 |
2.64 |
2,233 |
2,047 |
.917 |
7 |
|
NHL Rank |
6th |
3rd |
7th |
7th |
14th |
- |
22nd |
1st |
1st |
12th |
3rd |
|
Playoffs |
6 |
366 |
2 |
4 |
- |
16 |
2.62 |
239 |
223 |
.933 |
1 |
Andy definitely struggled after the Olympic break, (almost twice as many losses than the first half) as did the entire team. The general consensus seemed to be that he was a tad overworked and fatigued both mentally and physically. Sacco finally gave Andy a rest in the last few games of the season and that intelligent move resulted in Anderson entering the playoffs refreshed and as strong as ever. Look at that playoff save %. Sexy.
If Anderson's workload is managed just a little more prudently by both Sacco's sadistic goalie non-rotation, and a team in front of him that doesn't allow more shots on their netminder than all other goaltenders, then Andy's (and the Avs') success should be even greater next year.
Could Andy have done anything more this season? I don't know that he could have. He accomplished all he could, and more, with what he was dealt. In his inaugural season as a starter he was his team's best and most consistent player and he was the team's MVP. That being said, I feel like we have to leave some minuscule room for some improvement. Maybe a Vezina nomination next year? "A" is for Andy!
Mid-Season Grade: A
2010 FINAL GRADE:
****************************************************************************************************************
#31 / Goalie / Colorado Avalanche
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 200 lbs
Born: September 18, 1982
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
|
|
GP |
MIN |
W |
L |
OT |
GA |
GAA |
S A |
Saves |
SV% |
SO |
|
First Half |
10 |
459 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
17 |
2.22 |
232 |
215 |
.927 |
1 |
|
Second Half |
5 |
269 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
15 |
3.35 |
154 |
139 |
.903 |
0 |
|
Season |
15 |
728 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
32 |
2.64 |
386 |
354 |
.917 |
1 |
|
Playoffs |
1 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6.67 |
4 |
3 |
.750 |
0 |
Here's a fun fact for you: Budaj and Anderson posted identical save% and GAA. But while Anderson earned a bullet point list of grand feats, Budaj gets bullet points of mostly sad defeats. Poor Budaj.
- He played in a career low 15 games.
- Only 11 of those 15 appearances were starts, and his last two starts were garbage minutes behind a patchwork of Lake Erie players so that a bunch of Avalanche players could rest.
- 4 of Budaj's other starts came after Anderson was injured against Florida and missed 4 games. Had Andy not been attacked by Ballard, Budaj wouldn't have played those games. Budaj went 2-2 in those games with a 1.25 GAA, .958 save%, and 1 shutout.
- Applying some math to those previous two bullet points means that Sacco "chose" to go with Budaj only 5 times out of 82 games. Ouch.
- He didn't play a game for over 2 months from January 8th to March 16th.
- Highlights: Posted a career high .917 save%. Boods also backed up Montreal Canadiens playoff hero Jaroslav Halak at the Vancouver Olympics. And last week he was named to Slovakia's team for the IIHF World Championship, where he lost his first game against the defending champ Russians, posting an impressive .939 save% and 2.04 GAA.
One game summed up Budaj's season in a nutshell for me: On December 2nd, 2009, Boots (or Boods, or not, if you're Mike) received a shootout loss at the hands of Florida after Craig Anderson got run by Keith Ballard with 42 seconds left in OT. The Avs lost the shootout and poor Budaj got tagged with the loss, even though he never statistically even faced a shot, made a save, or allowed a goal. Craig Anderson allowed 5 goals that game, and Budaj ended up with the loss. It sucks being a back up.
Budaj will be an Unrestricted Free Agent this summer and I have to believe he'll look for a chance at a starting job elsewhere. It's a bummer, because by all accounts he is a fantastic teammate, and oddly enough, an asset in shootouts because of his avid research on opposing goalies methods and tendencies. On the other hand, if Sacco isn't going to play his back up goalie, he may as well employ someone who is cheaper than Budaj's $1.25 mil, and put that excess cash into a winger. With the rise of Anderson, it just doesn't make sense for Budaj to stay. Peter "the OK" is a divisive player amongst fans, but I'll be sad to see him go. Good luck Budaj, wherever you may tread, and may Ned Flanders guide thee true.
He gets an "A" for being classy concerning his role/treatment and for being a truly loyal teammate. His mistreatment and unfortunate game situations aside, his play just wasn't getting the requisite results. His numbers for the year are pretty average (C), and his play in most of his 2nd half starts was shaky and understandably inconsistent and rusty.
But I still believe in Peter Budaj.
Mid Season Grade: A-
FINAL GRADE:
72 comments
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Comments
B- for Budaij? More like Incomplete.
FWIW I think Andy’s late season struggles earned him an A- (not counting his great playoffs). That would have been avoided if Sacco played Boods enough for him to earn a B/B+. Then a more rested Andy would handily get his A with stellar play down the stretch.
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 11, 2010 7:20 AM MDT reply actions
I will be sad to see Budaj go, if indeed he is not resigned. You couldn’t ask for a better teammate, and all his chances to be #1 in Colorado haven’t been enviable situations to try to earn that role in.
It’s also not the best year for UFA goalies, there’s going to be a ton of them of varying skill on the market, and anyone who wants a contract probably isn’t going to be able to demand much.
Colorado Avalanche: PROMOTING itchy playoff beards since '10
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on May 11, 2010 7:30 AM MDT reply actions
Stat question
How does Budaj get a 6.67 playoff GAA when he allowed 1 goal on 4 shots?
I would have to agree with Lowayne, the second half of the season was more of an incomplete for Budaj.
I agree with Andeson’s grade, however, I would have to factor in the resounding F I would give him for his puck handling skills. It is something he has to work on over the summer.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Now with Playoff Goodness!
GAA isn’t based on shots. it’s the number of goals allowed per 60 minutes
Anderson does need to work on the puckhandling.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 11, 2010 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions
I think puckhandling is one place where Andy compares very favorably to Patrick Roy. NHL network has been showing replays of the ‘96 playoff highlights, and Patrick’s puckhandling is positively terrifying. In that one playoff season, I think I counted 6 goals given up because Patrick screwed up with the puck.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on May 11, 2010 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions
My first hockey memories:
My Dad chanting “RED WINGS SUCK, RED WINGS SUCK”
My Dad screaming “DAMMIT ROY GET BACK IN THE DAMN NET!”
by xskatebakerrx on May 11, 2010 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions
You could have used tape recordings of me from back then and simply replaced “Roy” with “Andy” and it would’ve worked this past season with statements exactly like that.
“DAMN IT ROY/ANDY, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?”
“FOR FUCK’S SAKE, ROY/ANDY, GET IN THE FUCKING NET!!”
“FUCKING HELL ROY/ANDY, WHY CAN’T YOU STAY IN THE GOD DAMN NET??”
Both gave me heartburn. Although, I trusted Roy to make a few more miracle saves than Andy…just sayin.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions
Although, I trusted Roy to make a few more miracle saves than Andy
But Andy has the “Snow Angle” saves. Isn’t this miraculous enough?
"Here's your dream: Matt Duchene, can he do it?... HE CAN! HE DID IT! MATT DUCHENE AND THE AVS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" - Mike Haynes
you do have to love the snow angel
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
and the “snow angle”. I’m a big fan of 35 degrees+ of the fresh. Except when it slides on me.
MHH- A drinking site with a hockey problem
Detroit Sucks
I happen to yell “GET BACK IN THE NET, ROY” at Andy all the time.
Go Rockies! First and only member of the Manuel Corpas fanclub right here! :/
Everyone's favorite Buffalo Rumblings Anti-Tebow blowhard!
THIS IS BUFFALO NATION GODZILLA HAS AWAKEN - abayarde
old habits?
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions
On many, many occasions Avalanche players have said that “Boods told me to go high blocker on him” for the big goal. Duchene said his shootout goal that sent the Avs to the playoffs was Budaj’s idea. Budaj was just about the perfect backup goalie this year and by all accounts has a goalie-coaching future ahead of him. A modern day Billington if you will. He may not be playing goal but he’s helping the Avs win games with his commentary on the bench. What’s more impressive is that the guys are actually going to him for the advice.
exactly
and who knows, maybe Boods enjoys that role enough that getting those starts aren’t as vital to him as we all think they are
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 8:47 AM MDT up reply actions
that's not to say
the number he got this year is anywhere near enough
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 8:48 AM MDT up reply actions
Good call.
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 11, 2010 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions
I have a hard time with these relative grades. Both goaltenders have identical GAA and SV%. You can say that the D played better for Boods, but he actually has a slightly higher shot per minute rate (.530 vs. .527) than Andy. The guy came in when he was asked, and won when he was really given the chance. I won’t knock Andy. He was definitely an A player this year, but Boods was a B+.
The Avs should bring him back next year if he’s willing, and make sure he gets 20 or so starts.
I’d also like to see the team implement a zone breakout scheme more sophisticated than “throw it to the points and hope the D-man misses it.” They’ve got to cut down on the long stretches in the defensive zone. Corsi or not, it’s not good for the team to be scrambling around, blocking shots, and taking hits. It’s hard on body and spirit, and probably contributed to the large number of man-games lost this season.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Well sure,
if you insist on the application of “logic” and “facts” and stuff!
I am 100% in favor of re-signing Boods to a 2 or 3 year deal at maybe $1-1.3M per and playing him 20 games a year (splitting ALL the back to backs ‘kay Mr. Sacco?). If nothing else, he’s proven that he is likely the best backup goaltender in the league and has the mental makeup to be one. This speaks nothing of his incredible value as a teammate and player/coach. He’ probably worth 5 points a year in shootout coaching alone!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
your quote concerning Boods:
His numbers for the year are pretty average ©, and his play in most of his 2nd half starts was shaky and understandably inconsistent and rusty.
Um, his season GAA and sv pct are the same as Andy’s. Or are we just looking at wins and shutouts? O_o
Yep, I was going to comment on that statement too. Doesn’t really make sense.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on May 11, 2010 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Pretty average for a starting goaltender
and pretty good for a backup.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on May 11, 2010 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
Not average
I was talking about the numbers. Andy saw a lot of shots and a lot of quality chances. He was really under the gun, so average number in extreme circunstances are exceptional.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on May 11, 2010 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
It's not an exact science
I think you gotta try to look at everything, not just one or two stats, and without burgundy colored glasses (I have a prescription for those). Save% and GAA aren’t as vital as wins. And Budaj’s 5-5 record is the definition of average. If it was record alone, I think a “C” would have been appropriate, but his other numbers push him up.
And Stats alone are pretty worthless. Budaj was not sharp for a full 60 minutes in the second half – regardless of the undesirable circumstances, he could have done better. But a B- is by no means bad. If I got a B- in Trigonometry in High School I would have been so excited I would have gave birth to a leprechaun.
by Brett Shumway on May 11, 2010 11:22 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, but let’s look at the first half where he actually got to play with the first team. His points were 9 out of a possible 16 (4-3-1, 56.25% of points). The Avs as a whole for the season were 95 out of a possible 162 (58.64%). Yeah again, the team as a whole played better in the first half. Still, not Andy, but not average. B+ for me.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on May 11, 2010 11:34 AM MDT up reply actions
Ok, lets look at everything not just one or two stats.
He wasn’t sharp the second half? He started 3 games. 2 of those games were with half the team out for rest in games that meant nothing after 1 start (a win) in 4 months.
If I am looking at everything I see a goaltender thrown into games after they have already been lost and the team has quit. Take out those games out and his Save% numbers get even better.
You also dismiss Andy’s second half struggles as being overworked but hold it against Budaij here. You may have a prescription for burgundy colored glasses but what about for that double standard of yours?
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 11, 2010 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’d say that’s fair.
And there’s no way everyone will agree with everything. And that’s the beautiful thing.
by Brett Shumway on May 11, 2010 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions
ah, you’re one of those “wins > metrics” guys. I suppose you’d give Niemi and his 26-7-4 record an A+? Oh wait, that might have more to do with his team, hmm? I find using team wins and losses as a goaltender metric utterly silly. the actual goaltender stats indicate Boods did a fine job as a backup.
I get what you’re saying concerning Boods not being as good as the stats indicate. Yeah, a lot of those save numbers probably come from coming in when Andy was pulled, say, and the other team wasn’t pushing as hard to score. Anyone that watched many Avs games realizes Andy > Boods.
But a B- is tied for the 2nd lowest grade you’ve given out (ridiculous in and of itself, but we’ll roll with your curve). You support for that grade, as near as I can see, hinges entirely on him a) not starting much (something Budaj controls not in the least) and b) having a .500 W-L record. I do not agree with that analysis, both with the points you made and the stats you’re ignoring.
Yeah the curve is really high. It must take burgundy colored glasses to be that optimistic on final grades.
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on May 11, 2010 2:08 PM MDT up reply actions
I had a random thought.
I was talking the other day with my wife about Andy.
The conversation went to the two hardest positions to play in Denver.
Broncos quarterback and goaltender for the Avs. One of the reasons I think those positions are so hard isn’t necessarily because of the skills required to play them, but because of the stigma that hangs over them.
Every new quarterback the Broncos get will automatically be compared to Elway, just like every goaltender will automatically be compared to Roy.
Maybe that’s why Andy wanted to play himself to near death. He set quite a few franchise records, which means, he broke quite a few of Roy’s. As far as a new guy filling the shoes (skates) of one of the greatest and making a statement I think Andy did well. It was like he came in from day one to The Can and said “MY HOUSE!!”.
Yes, he was compared to Roy, but not in a bad way (well except the puck handling). It was “I haven’t seen a save like that since Roy!” or “Finally! We have a rock star goalie again!”. I think Andy wanted to come in and say, “I’m not Roy. No one ever will be. But I’m damn good!”
I think next year we’ll see less of Andy. But not by much. I think our backup will get around 10-15 starts.
Speaking of backups. I would be really happy if we got Boods back. Let’s face it folks. He’s the best option out there for the money, and we’ve seen this season he doesn’t get all butt-hurt if he doesn’t start. His coaching skills on the bench alone are worth bringing him back. The rest of the goalies I’ve seen on the UFA list are either old, want to start too much, too expensive, or have less skills than Boods. Sure, we could make a run at signing Rinne, but does anyone think he’ll sit quietly on the bench for 60-70 games a season and be happy making less than what Boods makes? I don’t. Let’s bring back Boods for at least one more season and see what happens.
Well, this is why I try not to post much. Wall ‘o’ words anyone?
I know my name is spelled "Luxury Yacht" but it's actually pronounced Throatwarbler Mangrove.
As a member in good standing with the PFJ I truly hate only two things:
The JPF and the Detroit Red Wings! And Red Wing fans. Ok, I truly hate three things...
FYI
I’m on the Paul Martin train
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 11, 2010 12:24 PM MDT reply actions
I just read that yesterday and thought, “What’s the catch?”
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 12:38 PM MDT up reply actions
A bidding war.
I don’t think he’ll be cheap.
That’s the catch.
I know my name is spelled "Luxury Yacht" but it's actually pronounced Throatwarbler Mangrove.
As a member in good standing with the PFJ I truly hate only two things:
The JPF and the Detroit Red Wings! And Red Wing fans. Ok, I truly hate three things...
by Luxury Yacht on May 11, 2010 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions
Not sure
One thing the Avs have going for them on that front is that there’s quote a few D-men available. Volchenkiv, Hamhuis, Martin, off the top of my head. Many more I’m not thinking of.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 11, 2010 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions
True
Including the ones the Avs are going to dump into the pool.
I know my name is spelled "Luxury Yacht" but it's actually pronounced Throatwarbler Mangrove.
As a member in good standing with the PFJ I truly hate only two things:
The JPF and the Detroit Red Wings! And Red Wing fans. Ok, I truly hate three things...
by Luxury Yacht on May 11, 2010 1:02 PM MDT up reply actions
And the Avs are an attractive team to play for. Young, up and coming with a future that’s strong for a long time…I think that would definitely factor into a player’s decision and affect salary negotiations
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think attractive to you means quite what it does to the members of the NHL. (Well, you never know, maybe some of them- not that there’s anything wrong with that) But it has it’s true gotten us some deals in the past. Maybe it will again.
MHH- A drinking site with a hockey problem
Detroit Sucks
lol
my definition of attractiveness aside, a team with the makings of 10 years of solid contention? that has to turn some heads.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 11, 2010 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions
I was just holding out until I did my research on him. Thankfully my “procrastinate until someone else does it for me” solution worked…again.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 11, 2010 1:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Two questions:
1. Do you think Michalek goes cheaper than Martin (I’m inclined to think so)?
2. How do you like Michalek vs. Martin, and if you like Martin better, what salary differential inclines you to go with Michalek over Martin?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I've seen Zbynek Michalek,
and he is no Paul Martin. I would give Martin $2-3 million more than Michalek, easily. Even if we tie up the cap this year (which Martin alone won’t do), I think it’s okay as long as that comes with bolstering our blue line, since Hannan’s stupid contract comes off the books next year, and we still have Shattenkirk and Cohen on their two-way entry level deals through 2013, and by then Liles’ current contract will be up.
Quitter's People United: Member #19
not sure
haven’t done my research on Michalek
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 11, 2010 4:21 PM MDT up reply actions
Me too
In fact I made a fanshot in which we hypothetically sign him in free agency even before reading that article. His +/- is consistently excellent, all while averaging over 22 TOI the last three seasons. I also think he’s better offensively than his numbers indicate, because he plays in such a defensive minded system where any pinching is highly frowned upon. Either way, we know he’s excellent in his own end and can move the puck out of the zone (our biggest needs on the blue line), and with our cap room, there’s no reason not to give him a Godfather offer.
Quitter's People United: Member #19
with our cap room, there’s no reason not to give him a Godfather offer.
Unless, of course, he becomes Scott Hannan 2.0.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Child of the NJ system?
Did anyone else notice Martin Skoula’s name a couple of times in the article? This is what I fear, the Avs cough up a bunch of money for a system guy, and it’s a system that can make Martin Skoula look good.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on May 11, 2010 4:25 PM MDT up reply actions
Martin Skoula
does not look good compared to Paul Martin in any system. One metric cited in the article put Martin tops in the league in shot differential when he was on the ice compared to when he was off, so whether or not he’s in a good system is irrelevant. The point is that his team is better when he’s on the ice, whether that team is good or bad, offensively minded or defensively minded. The guy is legit.
Quitter's People United: Member #19
Don’t think that Twiggy was making the point that Skoula = or > Martin, rather that the NJD could make even the steaming pile of Bertuzzi that is the defensive game of Martin Skoula look competent to fair.
That, BTW, is an excellent point.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Oh yeah, well I am on the Patrick Sharp train.
Illegal Immigrant.
by Pinchy The Lobster on May 11, 2010 9:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Budaj should have an F for actually letting the Sharks’ otherwise invisible top line score in the 1st round. SUXX0RZ!
But seriously, the guy is everything you could ask for from a backup and it would be great to see him back again. Hopefully Slovakia can win the Worlds and give the guy a bit of glory. And FWIW, Dater gave him a B+ to Anderson’s A.
One of the mistakes of Sherman
I could never figure out how Budaj got a nice raise for being a backup. Sherman brought in Anderson to be the starter, so why did you give him a large raise?
No player has better character than Budaj. He will make a nice backup somewhere. But he simply doesn’t have game to be a starter.
Although he conclusively dispelled any doubts with his play this year, remember that this was Anderson’s first shot at being a #1 keeper. It wasn’t at all clear as the season started that he could carry the load or that he would be capable of more than 1A kind of performance. Budaj’s contract is not at all bad for a 1B type of keeper, which is exactly what he would have been had Andy not blown the doors off the league.
Dwight played that one right. Fo sho.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I never got why anyone even remotely cared about Budaj’s raise. He got $1.25M to be a backup goalie… which is certainly well within the market limits.
But the key words are BACKUP goalie. I think the only two teams that care what their backup goalies make are Chicago and Montreal. And that’s because their backups are Huet ($5+M) and Price.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 12, 2010 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
One issue everybody seems to be skirting is the amount of games the Andy played coloring the perception of the team and each goaltender’s play. The bottom line is that he played too many games as the second half showed. It decreased Budaj’s value in a $$ sense because he didn’t see a lot of game time. However, If you tightwads are content to let Boots walk because he has the audacity to sign a contract in the $1 to $1.5 million range, you’re idiots, no offense. You wanna know why? Injuries.
Budaj played .500 hockey behind a .500 team. He didn’t elevate the team’s performance and he didn’t detract. That is the definition of a backup. Now, God forbid anything happens to Anderson next season, but if he continues to demand the workload he had this year, it is only a matter of time before he takes an injury that is much more severe than a handful of games missed. Now tell me, do you want Tyler Weiman as the go-to guy for a month or two while Anderson is hurt? All for the sake of saving $600-$700 k? Do you have any indication that he or any other goalie in the system or available in the shallow FA market will come in for less than Budaj’s contract amount and not be a detriment to the team? Really?
Budaj is cheap insurance that the team won’t go off the rails from a goaltending standpoint should Andy get injured. Period. Give him the same contract he has now for another season, try to restock the cupboard with prospects and evaluate again next season.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
by Mike @ MHH on May 12, 2010 8:50 AM MDT reply actions 5 recs
agreed
I think it would be a HUGE gamble to let Budaj go in favor of Weiman all for a few bucks. And a poor one at that.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 12, 2010 9:07 AM MDT up reply actions
Rec'd for inherent truthiness.
I’m even in favor of giving Boods a 2 or 3 year contract at $1 – 1.35M per. He is probably the best backup in the league and I believe he’s more than capable of carrying 1B keeper workload.
I’ll admit that I don’t follow Weiman all that closely, but nothing that I’ve seen about him indicates that he’s got more inherent potential than Boods. He is definitely not worth letting Boods go in order to save a few hundred K on a salary cap that we may struggle reaching the floor on in the next year or two.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Exactly
Just cause Anderson played 70 games this year isn’t a guarantee he’ll do so next year.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 12, 2010 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions
Andy is still an “unproven” starter. Yes he has a GREAT season this year. His numbers in Florida weren’t bad and there isn’t a reason we should think he won’t continue to be a great goalie. But things happen and there is no guarantee that Andy will be great for years.
Budaj has shown over the past few years that he is a team player. Despite his lack of playing time this season he still remained involved in trying to make the team better. He stays late in practice (according to reports), he studies the game and especially the other team’s goalie often leading to his teammates scoring goals because of his advice (often commented about by the players). He doesn’t complain about his playing time, or lack there of (at least from what we’ve heard). He seems very content playing for the team and contributing however he can.
Compare some other teams and their goalie/back-up salary:
Columbus = Garon 1.2M, Mason 905K
NYI = DiPietro 4.5M, Roloson 2.5M, Biron 1.4M
Carolina = Peters 500K, Legace 500K
Phoenix = Brygalov 4.25M, Labarbera 1M
Nashville = Ellis 1.75M, Rinne 725K
Tampa = Smith 2.2M, Niittymaki, 600K
Colorado = Anderson 1.82M, Budaj 1.25M, Weiman 500K
Dallas = Turco 5.7M, Auld 1M
St. Louis = Mason 3M, Conklin 1.3M
Florida = Vokoun 5.7M, Clemmensen 1.2M
Edmonton = Khabibulin 3.75M, Dubnyk 700K, Drouin-Deslauries 625K
Atlanta = Lehtonen 3M, Pavlec 1.44M, Hedberg 1.01M
Minnesota = Backstrom 6M, Harding 1.1M
Buffalo = Miller 6.25M, Lalime 1M
Toronto = Giguere 6M, Gustavsson 2.5M
Anaheim = Hiller 1.3M, MacDonald 650K, McElhinney 535K
Ottawa = Leclaire 3.8M, Elliot 850K
San Jose = Nabokov 5.37M, Greise 550K
Philadelphia = Boucher 925K, Leighton 300K
Boston = Thomas 5M, Raask 3.2M
New Jersey = Broduer 5.2M, Danis 500K
Montreal = Price 2.2M, Halak 750K
LA = Quick 770K, Ersberg 750K
NYR = Lundqvist 6.875M, Zaba 575K
Pittsburgh = Flury 5M, Johnson 525K
Red Wings = Howard 716K, Osgood 1.4M
Calgary = Kiprusoff 5.8M, Toskala 4M
Vancouver = Luongo 6.75M, Raycroft 500K
Capitals = Theodore 4.5M, Neuvirth 821K, Varlamov 821K
Chicago = Huet 5.625M, Niemi 826K
Budaj isn’t a bad deal for his pay grade. He isn’t going to be a spectacular goalie, but I still think in front of a good team (not last season’s team) he could be a 50+ start per season goalie; however, he’s never going to carry a team like Miller, Nabokov, Broduer, et al. As a backup I’m not sure you could ask for more.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on May 12, 2010 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions
My god
Toskala makes $4M.
LOL
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 12, 2010 2:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Red Wings = Howard 716K, Osgood 1.4M
Osgood backing up Howard
/giggle
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 12, 2010 2:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Letting in softies
Priceless.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on May 12, 2010 2:56 PM MDT up reply actions
I actually made that switch….the original site had Osgood first.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on May 12, 2010 6:57 PM MDT up reply actions
love Craig
i’ve known the man since he was with the Guelph Storm. we sure as hell miss him in Chicago (at least me and our former goalie coach) glad to see him have a breakout year and “somewhat filled” Roy’s shoes. granted, both those guys are my idols and play for my childhood team lol
Don't Toews Me Bro!!
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