Goaltending Coach, Schmoaltending Coach
by Mike @ MHH on Jan 4, 2012 9:44 AM MST
in Avalanche News & Notes
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We've all been lamenting the valleys in the performance landscape of our new #1 (in our hearts and on his jersey!) goaltender, Semyon Varlamov. We've wondered aloud as to whether his injury history, inconsistency, and relative inexperience as a bonified NHL starter are issues that can legitimately be overlooked at times. Given the steep price paid by Colorado's management in order to acquire his services many of us have felt that they can't. This was especially true during the horrible late October to mid-November he had between the pipes for the Avalanche. He wasn't delivering on the cost paid for his services and he wasn't giving the franchise what they desperately needed: a legitimate #1 goaltender. And then the fans started casting around for causation.
One of the biggest issues that came up almost immediately in our (and others') conversations is the lack of a full-time goalie coach for Varlamov. We all know (or at least I think you do) that Kirk McLean is the team's goaltending consultant. We also know that he's part-time and lives in Vancouver. Varlamov hasn't expressed any ill-will or issues about his work with McLean, but he has a longer history with Finnish goalie whisperer Jussi Parkkila. Why didn't Parkkila get the Avalanche goaltending coaching job you ask even though there was speculation that he'd be offered the gig? He was already under contract with the KHL's SKA St. Petersburg. You may remember them as the potential destination of Varlamov if he didn't get things worked out in Washington. Things worked out by him getting traded to Colorado for a couple of draft picks, including a 2012 1st-rounder.
Varlamov himself has stated that he hoped that the Avalanche would have someone available to work with him every day. But at the start of the season, McLean was still the consultant and still part-time and the sour grousers among us took this as another sign that the Avs were continuing to operate on the cheap and that they weren't doing enough to protect their investment in Varlamov. There's the possibility that this situation plays into the somewhat fragile mindset that Varlamov appears to exhibit at times this season and it doesn't provide the subtle guidance that a world-class goalie sometimes needs.
However, given that the #1 job seems to have developed into a split-time arrangement lately and wit the team winning more often than not, is it still a viable argument for the pro-Varlamov to demand a full-time coach? Is his inconsistency an indicator of youth and inexperience or a sign that he needs a more omnipresent guiding hand at his position? Why aren't people discussing the lack of a full-time coach for Jean-Sebastien Giguere? Have we made much ado about nothing here at MHH? Was having McLean back part-time for this season just a stop-gap until Parkkila or another full-time coach was available to take the reigns in Denver? Should we be worried about a lack of goaltending development in the Colorado system when touted uber-prospect Sami Aittokallio plays a similar style of game?
UPDATE:
Justin at The Goalie Guild responds.
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Maybe because Giguere has “his guy” for most of his career, and has learned all that he can? Just throwing it out there
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
Giggy’s guy is Francois Allaire, he was also Roy’s guy in Montreal. He’s under contract with Toronto
Mission 48.3 Accomplished!
I’m well aware of that. What I am saying is, Giguere has been an Allaire disciple for a long time, and may not need his instruction at this point in his career. Whereas Varlamov is still “green” so to speak, and needs a full time coach more at this point
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
I don’t see how it can be said that’s it’s not a viable argument that Varly needs a full-time coach. Just look at how inconsistent he has been this season compared to last season when he had a full time coach. A full time coach would probably help Giggy as well, although he doesn’t seem to need one as much.
I hope the Avs hire someone full-time, either Parrkila or someone else. I didn’t know how long of a contract Parrkila signed with SKA, maybe it’s only a year. I did find out from Russian articles that Parkkila visited Varly in DC after the KHL season ended last spring. I am sure that Varly will keep working with him in the off-season either way. I read something that said they talk on the phone frequently during the season.
I haven't seen the replays and continue to learn about goaltending every day
But NHL franchises are businesses. If most (all?) other franchises believe it to be a valid expense, why would our goaltending not need it? Giguere is not a coach (yet). He has his own game to worry about and work on. With the play of those two being such a factor in the avs success this season, I have trouble swallowing the suggestion they don’t need a coach.
And I think giguere gets ignored in this conversation because hes the stable old rock and people forget you might need outside help honing your skills when you’re doing well too. So much of it is successful repetition that more reps in practice should theoretically help you stay sharp longer.
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Jan 4, 2012 10:05 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
Oh, look, a reverse jibble (el-bij?)
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Jan 4, 2012 10:05 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
I agree with you that Giggy would benefit from a goalie coach to work with him as well. I watched Irbe help Varly and Neuvy improve, but I also thought he helped Jose Theodore improve as well. Vokoun seems all over the place this season so I can’t really conclude anything about him. But, older goalies can also benefit from some coaching and video review with a goalie coach.
Theo is also a complete headcase
Ain’t nobody eva knows what you’re getting with that cat
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
by A.J. Haefele on Jan 4, 2012 10:24 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
about 3 fifdy.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2012 10:29 AM MST up reply actions
Well headcase that he was, Theo managed to post a 30-7-7 record with the Caps his last season with them, .911 sv %. Of course he was promptly pulled in the playoffs for Varly his second year in a row that season. He didn’t play for a stretch of games in December that season, Neuvy got the starts (Varly was hurt), one day after practice he came off the ice and broke his stick. When asked about being it and not playing, he had a classic quote, “I just work here.”
What goalie isn’t a complete headcase though?
"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?
MArtin Brodeur will hunt you down. He completely resents that stereotype.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 5, 2012 7:00 AM MST up reply actions
And he eats what he kills. So, yeah, he kills a lot.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 5, 2012 8:24 AM MST up reply actions
I think it would help any goalie to have a full time coach. there are things you do during a game or practice that you never know that you are doing them wrong because you can’t see yourself or it is something so small that you miss them. It is the same thing in golf, if you are dropping your shoulder mid swing or not bringing your wrists through at the appropriate time, you just cant see those things, someone usually has to tell you.
Avalanche Hockey: egressing to the mean
This is so much BS, I think I’ve been doing a good job. I don’t even speak Russian or French, but when I sit down and break tape with Varly and Giggy, we look over the game and when they allow a goal, I say, “No, or Nyet,” or whatever it is to express my anger then I taser them. Yeah, it’s a little tough, but it’s for their own good.
Then there is my peerless instruction, “The key to good goaltending is to not allow any goals.” I know, I shouldn’t be giving out all my secrets on a website for free, but it’s important for all of you to know how good a coach I am. I also give out some gems like: “If you see it stop it.” and, “If you don’t see it, stop it.”
Yes, I know, despite this good advise and tasering, sometimes slumps occur. That’s when I shine. Also that’s where I double fist some tasers and break out the “STOP SUCKING YOU SUCKS!!!” And then the slumps end. So, if you have a problem with me then you have a problem with you. Best. Goaltending. Coach. Ever. You’re welcome.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2012 10:05 AM MST reply actions 7 recs
Consistency is the key to success for a starting goaltender. You can’t throw a 23-year old goaltender (I think I read he’s the 2nd-youngest starter in the league) out there with a similarly young/inexperienced team and expect him to perform with the consistency of a more savvy veteran.
Having J.S. Giguere as part of your tandem helps mitigate the problem somewhat, but yes, Varlamov and the Avs need a full-time goaltending coach.
No soup for you!
Can you really trust a man who wears this:
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
yes, because he also wore this
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2012 10:33 AM MST up reply actions
This is completely out of context!
Set the sweater on fire. Then I can appropriately evaluate the situation.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Can an article generate 20 more questions than it answers?
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
can he answer that with a question?
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2012 10:44 AM MST up reply actions
Are you allowed to say that?
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.
why wouldn’t I be?
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2012 10:51 AM MST up reply actions
All comments must be in the form of a question?
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.
Are you an expert?
Have you seen the replay?
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.
Why didn’t anyone tell me we were playing questions only?
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
Whose line is it anyways?
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2012 11:21 AM MST up reply actions
Who own da Avs?
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 Jan 4, 2012 11:24 AM MST up reply actions
The Importance of A Full-Time Goalie Coach
I noticed many of the links in this piece were directed towards pieces I’ve written on TGG, so I took some time to answer them. I posted the link in a new FanPost, but here it is again in case you guys miss it.
http://thegoalieguild.com/2012/01/the-importance-of-a-full-time-goalie-coach/
Enjoy! Beware, it’s very long, over 2,500 words.
Then my work here is done…
For you guys taking notes, I spent about 30 minutes writing a post that forced someone else to do a TON of work and Justin thinks he’s doing me a favor. That’s effective management right there.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
LOL! It wasn’t really any work, minus the time it took to write it all up. I didn’t do any real research, they are just my thoughts and insights on the situation =] Glad to do it. Anytime I can shed light on goalie development for fans of a team that has the worst goalie development in the NHL, it’s a good thing, and part of what I strive to do on a daily basis as an independent pro goalie scout!
by TheGoalieGuild on Jan 4, 2012 12:03 PM MST up reply actions
For what it’s worth, we agree on nearly ever observation and rationale regarding Varlamov and the goalie coach issue. Having you give a point-by-point opinion only reinforces my own observations and opinions. Thanks for writing your post today. I think it’ll bring even more to the discussion I’ve tried to start over here.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Anytime, buddy. That’s why I’m here. I have done my best to expose these issues, whether it be on radio or on my goalie site. I think since we are both goalies we can understand how problematic it is for this organization. Everything radiates from the net out…if you aren’t honing your goalie prospects, the whole club suffers year after year. I am ready to see some strategic and systematic goalie development from this team…it can’t come soon enough.
by TheGoalieGuild on Jan 4, 2012 12:08 PM MST up reply actions
I agree 100%. You aren’t going to find a bigger fan of Mitch Korn and the system that Nashville has implemented in regards to their goalies. Rinne, Lindback, etc. are a living, skating, low GAA testament to how this should be done.
One of the biggest things I’ve read recently about that crew is the conversation Korn had with Anders after Pekka signed his huge deal. When he was discussing Lindback’s role with the team moving forward, he said something like “You have to continue to develop, to improve because you’re still an asset to the this club. Even if you get traded, we want you to be the best goalie you can be when we trade you so that we get the highest return for our investment. You’re still an integral part of this team and this organization regardless of Pekka’s role.” To me, that is the hammer hitting the nail on the head perfectly. THAT’S how you develop players, Colorado. You do it from scouting, through the draft, through development, through the time on the ice and in practice with the big club, and through maximizing each players potential. The scattershot approach to goaltending development employed by the Avalanche is troubling.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
The Importance of A Full-Time Goalie Coach
Mike, can you front-page his Fan Shot? On the off chance someone from the mother club is watching, it would be good to make this as visible as possible.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Jan 4, 2012 12:25 PM MST up reply actions
I already added it to the post above
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2012 12:30 PM MST up reply actions
oh, I see he already made the fan post. all set
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2012 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
The title made me laugh more than I probably should have.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Jan 4, 2012 12:52 PM MST reply actions
Random Decently-Related Question
Knowing just what we know now, who would you fellow Avs fans rather see as a goaltending tandem five years from now?
Varlamov – Desjardins
Varlamov – Aittakallio
Varlamov – Pickard
Varlamov – Millan
Varlamov – Patterson
Varlamov – Other
or
Other – Other?
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
Varlamov-Pickard. I just has a feeling that we will deal Aittakallio(copy pasted that) by the deadline.
Yes, his value is really high right now.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 5, 2012 8:25 AM MST up reply actions
Maybe we can do a reverse Salo to someother team.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 5, 2012 8:27 AM MST up reply actions
If you want two goalies that are stylistically similar, you gotta go Varly-Sami. If that isn’t important and you want the two with the highest ceiling…Probably Varly-Pickard.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
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