Final Grade: Peter Budaj
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 3, 2011 7:00 AM MDT
in Final Grades 2011
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PrintThis report card is a joint effort by Beachie, Sandie, Paul, SlamDunktheFunk and DDC. Stats courtesy of hockey-reference.com and NHL.com
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Final Grade |
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Final Grade: D+
Midseason Grade: B-
Last Year: B-
Position: G
Vitals: 6'1" / 200 / 28 / Catches Left
Drafted by Colorado, 2nd round (63rd) of 2001 Draft
Joined Avalanche: Debuted on October 8th, 2005. Pierre Turgeon, Joe Sakic and Marek Svatos scored as Budaj and the Avalanche downed Marty Turco and the Stars 3-2.
MHH Nicknames: Boods
Avs with Budaj in the lineup: 13-20-4 (.405 pt%) 2.84 GF 3.56 GA
Ice Time: 37 starts, 45 games as the backup, 8 relief appearances
Career Highlights: After 6 failed attempts, Peter Budaj finally got win #100 in an April 1st win over Phoenix.
Report: It's been a very poor week in Avalanche grades: Quincey (C-, which I thought was being generous), Koci (D+), Stoa (D+), Elliott (D-) and now Budaj with a D+. Like all Avalanche goalies, Budaj had a year he (and we) would like to forget. He was arguably the best of the three, which isn't exactly saying much. He allowed 3 goals or more in 31 of his 37 starts. Of course, when you face 30+ shots a game, bad things will happen. "Bad" sums up the season for Budaj, except in the shootout where he was absolutely money.
Fun Fact: Budaj was drafted 10 spots ahead of Craig Anderson in 2001 and has 3 more career wins.
The Peter Budaj Drinking Game: Drink when Budaj allows a goal in the shootout Drunk potential: Not happening
What We Said Last Year: 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.
2010 Cap Hit: $1,250,000
2011 Status: UFA
Outlook for Next Season: It's been discussed previously that Peter Budaj is not expected to be re-signed by the Avalanche this summer, ending a six season run in Denver. Best of luck, Peter. We still believe in Budaj.
Next Up: Daniel Winnik
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I know I am far in the vocal minority…so I’m just keeping my opinions to myself
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
He was arguably the best of the three, which isn’t exactly saying much.
True, but I’ll argue. In 11 MORE appearances than a very disappointing Craig Anderson, he only had 2 more wins (15) than Andy as an Av (13). His Save % was also a bit lower and though his goals allowed was better, it was .08% better.
I’d say you can’t argue who was the “best” goalie on the team this year because they all sucked.
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Two things put Budaj ahead of Andy for me: his performance in the shootouts and his work ethic. I know a lot of people didn’t get to see what I saw as I was able to go to practices, but trust me when I say that Budaj was ALWAYS working his ass off at practices, supporting his teammates by being the first goalie on the ice to help the skaters warm up, working things in between drills, and being the last one to leave to help whomever needed/wanted it. Most days, Anderson did the minimum of what was required of him. Got on the ice at the buzzer (sometimes he was the last one out there), loafed around when not in a drill, and left as soon as the formal practice was over.
So say what you will about Budaj’s stats; with all other things being equal, his effort and dedication to the team makes him a better goalie than Anderson by a long shot. (Notice, I did not say anything about body language…)
In Rick Pracey we trust
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 3, 2011 7:58 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL.
At the end of the day though, I want a goalie who can win. Budaj can’t on a consistent basis. Anderson didn’t, and Elliott won’t. This team needs a new goalie direction completely
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
And I’ve never questioned his work habits or his leadership…just the results.
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Hence the “all things being equal” part. Anderson wasn’t getting it done on a consistent basis, either, even in 2009-2010. His post-Olympic break regular season stats are less than stellar. I just don’t think Anderson is as good as others do.
In Rick Pracey we trust
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 3, 2011 8:21 AM MDT up reply actions
See? I still think he makes for a better backup than Elliot. I understand that Elliot is cheaper, but the Avs are going to be scrambling to hit the floor anyway.
Nah, they’ll just take on other team’s junk like they did with Tucker…or offer Koci a 22-million dollar contract to eat nachos
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
They tried that last year. But Quincey sucked, then got hurt. Mueller suited up for one preseason game. And Yip sucked. I think they have decided to sign other people’s junk so that they won’t be “disappointed from within.”
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 3, 2011 9:52 AM MDT up reply actions
you mean like this?
Loser: Colorado Avalanche – Have you ever made an impulse decision to adopt a stray dog that’s been raised in an abusive environment because you hope things will be different if it’s given a loving home, but then when you get it back to your place it just poops all the over your floor and rolls around in it? Trading for an Ottawa goaltender is pretty much the same thing.
DGB on the deadline deal for Elliott
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
Not just his work ethic
but also his body language. And yes, I do have a degree in pop psychology.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 3, 2011 9:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Budaj was ALWAYS working his ass off at practices, supporting his teammates by being the first goalie on the ice to help the skaters warm up, working things in between drills, and being the last one to leave to help whomever needed/wanted it. Most days, Anderson did the minimum of what was required of him
Justin Bourne wrote a nice blog about how backups are supposed to do that, and starters aren’t and don’t. I can’t find the link right now, but he was talking about goalie controversy and flip flopping starts and how it affects the mentality of both goalies.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
If you play next year like you did this last year I hope we see you alot more than one or two times. Is Minnesota looking for a starting goalie, they should go after Boods.
Except if it goes to the shootout.
The Wild's 2011 and 2012 goaltending plan
Step 1: Get rid of Theo after 1 year
Step 2: Sign Budaj for 1 year
Step 3: Get rid of Budaj after 1 year
Step 4: Sign Raycroft for 1 year
Step 5: ?????
Step 6: Profit!!!
Sorry DDC and others
It’s been a very poor week in Avalanche grades
Should have read
It’s been a very generous week in Avalanche grades
While I agree that none of those evaluated this week were the sole, #1, reason why the Avalanche has such a craptastical season, none of them should have passed. Elliott was crap, Budaj was poop, Stoa blew his opportunity to shine, Quincey had an intervention piece written about him and Koci was… Koci.
Again, just because they weren’t the cause, doesn’t mean they should get a passing grade…. my 2 canadian cents (which is, 3 cents US… I think)
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/#from=CAD;to=USD;amt=.02
you’re canadian .02 cents is worth .0204 american cents.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 9:42 AM MDT up reply actions
But there's good news!
Next week brings fan favorites Dan “Tough Guy” Winnik, the Imaginary Awesomeness of Jonas Holos, and Future Captain* Ryan O’Reilly!
*Ryan O’Reilly is only one of approximately 18 possible future captains for the Avalanche. His mention here as future captain is in no way official or legal.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 3, 2011 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions
Although, of course, Wilson’s coming up too and he has to be getting the worst grade of everyone. Right? Right??
In Rick Pracey we trust
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 3, 2011 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wilson’s coming up in a couple of weeks, unless I’m mistaken. We’ve still got Gally and Olver (?) to round out the week next week.
But your comment makes me think that Wilson might get a better grade than I’m expecting…hmm.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 3, 2011 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
But your comment makes me think that Wilson might get a better grade than I’m expecting…hmm.
Not that it’s any of my business and I’m just egging this on, but has anyone not gotten a higher grade than you’ve expected?
Your logical buzzkillery is ruining my already shitty jokes.
by Paul X on Jun 3, 2011 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
roffle
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 3, 2011 11:15 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t see how that’s egging me on. I think it’s pretty boring to hear, but here goes:
I think the discussion was first about Wilson vs. Holos, where I predicted Holos would get the higher grade, and where I stated that’s ridiculous (if it happens). That was way back in the Liles/Liffiton grading conversation. So I never said I thought Wilson would get the worst grade of all, it was always a comparison to Holos.
McClement got a lower grade than I thought he would. I thought Koci might get at least a C-. Quincey, especially since there was discussion that we missed him more after he was out than we thought. Elliott got a slightly lower grade than I thought he would.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 3, 2011 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions
you asked the question, man
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 3, 2011 12:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Bwahhaahah
"Every day is a great day for hockey"- Mario Lemieux
by Sandie Gauthier on Jun 3, 2011 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes, next week is Daniel Winnik, Jonas Holos, Colby Cohen, Ryan O’Reilly and T.J. Galiardi
"Every day is a great day for hockey"- Mario Lemieux
by Sandie Gauthier on Jun 3, 2011 11:34 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that Cohen gets an “INC”.
2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Hugging the cap floor and waiting on their revenue share, because hey, billionaires need welfare too!
I totally would like to see Dan as a teacher….
You misused a comma! I’m trading your ass to Ms. Spanglers Biology class for a prospect to be named later.
"Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. Live like you aint afraid to die and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
I wish him tons of success. I love the guy.
"Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. Live like you aint afraid to die and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Yeah, man, I love him too. Seems like a great freaking guy, I just don’t think he’s got that “it” factor or the compete level or whatever it is to be an elite goalie. He’s been given chances, he just hasn’t grabbed the opportunity.
Mr. Fuji, the devious ways that you put in my mind will come to use.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 3, 2011 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
The Peter Budaj Drinking Game: Drink when Budaj allows a goal in the shootout Drunk potential: Not happening
why? Becuase he gave up 3+ goals and it didn’t get to a shootout or because he somehow got to a shootout and didn’t allow a goal? I’d guess the latter. While he seems to be a nice guy, I’ve never loved him like some of you do here. To me he’s a below average backup with a really high gaa and a really low save %.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 9:44 AM MDT reply actions
Boods has always been good in the shoot. It’s his schtick.
In Rick Pracey we trust
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 3, 2011 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions
the trick is making enough saves to get there.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 10:35 AM MDT up reply actions
I wonder why?
Just kidding. I don’t wonder.
Your logical buzzkillery is ruining my already shitty jokes.
He didn’t used to be. He actually was pretty awful at shootouts when they were first instituted. But he figured something out
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
That’s key for anyone.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 1:13 PM MDT up reply actions
That and making sure nobody gets in your head.
In Rick Pracey we trust
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 3, 2011 2:12 PM MDT up reply actions
Shot quality against.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 2:50 PM MDT up reply actions
There is no such thing as shot quality. Only luck.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 3, 2011 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions
In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.
Available for a 3rd round pick.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 3, 2011 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Peter Budaj Drinking Game: Drink every time Budaj is criticized and a heated argument ensues for no reason at all.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
Good one Joe.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 3, 2011 12:34 PM MDT up reply actions
The only way the Avs should bring him back is if the NHL makes a rule that you can sign a contract to only play against one specific team so they could play him only when they face St.Louis. Everyone always says he a back-up. He is a good teammate. He is cheep. I think he is crap. He lets in goals at the worst time possible and he doesn’t seem to get angry when they lose. They should have let him go last year. He just isn’t good enough to win with.
Your a good guy Budaj, but not a good goalie. Sorry, but the Avs need to ditch him once and for all. (I actually would rather see Elliot back then Budaj).
The never getting angry argument always amuses me. As someone who has lost, alot, and gotten angry after most of them it is rarely what coaches want to see. Sure the fans might like it but at the end of the day, all the angry yelling and breaking shit in the locker room does nothing for the on ice job and unless you have teammates who work harder after it then it doesn’t really accomplish much except get your ass hated by teams, and yes I also have plenty of experience in that.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
December, 1995 - In a strong statement that still resonates to this day, the Montreal Canadiens make it clear to Patrick Roy that the franchise will simply not tolerate championship-calibre goaltending.
DGB
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
What I’m saying is Budaj and a lot of other player on the Avalanche don’t seem to be motivated when they lose to do better. I guess angry isn’t the right word. They don’t need to break sticks and shout, but they all need to play with a lot more heart.
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