Vokoun or Byzgalov: My Wednesday Morning Debate

[thedddd]

--They are both very good goalies so that comparison doesn't matter.

--This year the Caps win with Vokoun better cap hit
--Long term the Flyers win with Bryz - the reason is that Vokoun is not guaranteed to be a Capital next year.
--As for them Personally Bryz wins since he is a lot richer and Vokoun might have lost out on a big payday if he craps the bed this season.

 

[mattola]

since its Thursday I cant take part in this Wednesday Morning Debate.

but I would take Bryz anyway especially on term for philly. when was teh last time they had a goalie like this with term.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

since its Thursday I cant take part in this Wednesday Morning Debate.

but I would take Bryz anyway especially on term for philly. when was teh last time they had a goalie like this with term.

The difference is look at what they gave up to get him signed to that term. Philly will be a very different team this year. The Caps on the other hand are LOADED.

 

[elocomotive]

The Caps on the other hand are LOADED.

We get it, his last name is Semin... can we all move on from it please?!?

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

We get it, his last name is Semin... can we all move on from it please?!?

I wasn't making a joke. The Flyers traded away Jeff Carter & Mike Richards so they could sign Bryzgalov. The Caps got Vokoun for 1.5 mllion on a 1 year deal. It's without question the steal of Free Agency. On paper the Capitals are definately the favorites to win the cup. I don't think there's another team in the league that has their depth at every position.

The fact McPhee was able to eliminate the competition for Vokoun by trading Varlamov for a 1st round pick in 2012 & a conditional 2nd round pick in 2012 or 2013 makes it even sweeter for the Caps.

 

[Forty_Sixand2]

We get it, his last name is Semin... can we all move on from it please?!?

You seem a little obsessed with semin.....

 

[elocomotive]

I wasn't making a joke. The Flyers traded away Jeff Carter & Mike Richards so they could sign Bryzgalov. The Caps got Vokoun for 1.5 mllion on a 1 year deal. It's without question the steal of Free Agency. On paper the Capitals are definately the favorites to win the cup. I don't think there's another team in the league that has their depth at every position.

The fact McPhee was able to eliminate the competition for Vokoun by trading Varlamov for a 1st round pick in 2012 & a conditional 2nd round pick in 2012 or 2013 makes it even sweeter for the Caps.

I know, DaBolts. I was just kidding. Should have added a .

I agree with you on not giving up much and that we've made some good moves. I still wouldn't say we're the favorites and even if we are, being the best "on paper" means jack obviously. But we'll be there competing again. Hoping one of these years we bust through. Has to happen sooner or later.

 

[elocomotive]

You seem a little obsessed with semin.....

Lol.

 

[Vadered]

We get it, his last name is Semin... can we all move on from it please?!?

Yeah. One could even say, that train has left the station.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I know, DaBolts. I was just kidding. Should have added a .

I agree with you on not giving up much and that we've made some good moves. I still wouldn't say we're the favorites and even if we are, being the best "on paper" means jack obviously. But we'll be there competing again. Hoping one of these years we bust through. Has to happen sooner or later.

The only thing that concerns me is Boudreau. Do you believe he can lead the Caps to the Cup?

 

[DChero]

The only thing that concerns me is Boudreau. Do you believe he can lead the Caps to the Cup?

With their lineup, all he has to do is not crash the Ferrari. The competition in the East is tight with there being so many heavy-hitters (Flyers, Bruins, Lightning, Penguins, etc..), but I think most of us agree that the Capitals can challenge all of them now.

 

[Darkstone42]

As you all know, I prefer short-term contracts for free agents in any and all cases, and so I actually think the one-year duration of Vokoun's contract is better than the long-term nature of Bryzgalov's. In my opinion, any contract in excess of 7 years for a player under 25, 5 years for a player between 25 and 27, and 3 years for any player 28 and older, is too long. One year deals are a beautiful thing, because, while they do tend to be more expensive by year (in Vokoun's case, you don't even have that drawback), they also present less risk to the team by way of flop or injury.

Maybe the Capitals don't get long-term goaltending stability from their one-year deal with Vokoun, but they do get flexibility at the position next year if Vokoun doesn't work out. If he does, then offer him a three-year deal and see if he'll play on the cheap again. If he doesn't want to play on the cheap again, either free a little cap space, look for some other short-term deal on the free agent market, or hope a young goaltender develops nicely.

The Flyers don't need to worry about goaltending next year if Bryzgalov proves to be a nice fit in Philadelphia; however, they may run into a problem near the end of the contract when Bryzgalov's play falls off, but his cap hit doesn't.

Consequently:
This year - Capitals win.
Years 2-5 (or so) - Flyers win.
After that - Capitals win.

 

[awaz]

As you all know, I prefer short-term contracts for free agents in any and all cases, and so I actually think the one-year duration of Vokoun's contract is better than the long-term nature of Bryzgalov's. In my opinion, any contract in excess of 7 years for a player under 25, 5 years for a player between 25 and 27, and 3 years for any player 28 and older, is too long. One year deals are a beautiful thing, because, while they do tend to be more expensive by year (in Vokoun's case, you don't even have that drawback), they also present less risk to the team by way of flop or injury.

Maybe the Capitals don't get long-term goaltending stability from their one-year deal with Vokoun, but they do get flexibility at the position next year if Vokoun doesn't work out. If he does, then offer him a three-year deal and see if he'll play on the cheap again. If he doesn't want to play on the cheap again, either free a little cap space, look for some other short-term deal on the free agent market, or hope a young goaltender develops nicely.

The Flyers don't need to worry about goaltending next year if Bryzgalov proves to be a nice fit in Philadelphia; however, they may run into a problem near the end of the contract when Bryzgalov's play falls off, but his cap hit doesn't.

Consequently:
This year - Capitals win.
Years 2-5 (or so) - Flyers win.
After that - Capitals win.

i couldn't agree more.

 

[TheRobotDevil]

To me it was a no-brainer, but it seems the same for him. I understand that Bryz has looked good the last couple of years, can really enhance that defense, blah blah blah... but Vokoun looked good without anyone in front of him. It was the "Conference Finals" thing that set me off. The Caps have been in need of solid netminding almost as long as the Flyers. When I look at who I'd want the Penguins to play in the playoffs, the Flyers look like an easier matchup (no disrespect). So that's where my view comes from.

Vokoun had to do it with ballard in front of him he gets bonus points

 

[Automattic]

Man, I hope we can make it to the second round without Bryz around...

 

[The Croz Man Cometh]

I do find it interesting that 2 of the top 10 goalies in the league have losing playoff records*. Not trying to spoil the party. Just pointing that out.

I think the Caps will be better short and long term with this deal. Just because of team chemistry. Too many new players in Philly and it could take awhile to gel. As well as prospects that may or may not pan out.

Also, could someone please explain to me the big deal about Wayne Simmonds? I haven't seen him play that much, but his stats don't jump off the page.

* = both with kinda shitty teams and not so surprising.

 

[jerseyjigroe]

Man, I hope we can make it to the second round without Bryz around...

Well, since he was pretty much the only reason why the Coyotes/Jets made the playoffs I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[jerseyjigroe]

I do find it interesting that 2 of the top 10 goalies in the league have losing playoff records*. Not trying to spoil the party. Just pointing that out.

I think the Caps will be better short and long term with this deal. Just because of team chemistry. Too many new players in Philly and it could take awhile to gel. As well as prospects that may or may not pan out.

Also, could someone please explain to me the big deal about Wayne Simmonds? I haven't seen him play that much, but his stats don't jump off the page.

* = both with kinda shitty teams and not so surprising.

Here's what a Kings fan said on a thread in the Flyers board.

Good job on signing Simmonds. You guys will love this kid. Lots of energy and grit for someone his size, hope he hits the gym and puts on a little more muscle. Very smart. Sick little snap shot and isn't afraid to go to the net. plays like a super heavyweight, loves to shoot the puck, and is a pretty decent puck handler and soft hands. Give him more minutes (18-20) and he might turn out to be a 50-60 pt player.

He's a great fit with the Flyers and will serve you well.

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/philadelphia-flyers/37629-simmonds-5.html

 

[The Croz Man Cometh]

Here's what a Kings fan said on a thread in the Flyers board.

Good job on signing Simmonds. You guys will love this kid. Lots of energy and grit for someone his size, hope he hits the gym and puts on a little more muscle. Very smart. Sick little snap shot and isn't afraid to go to the net. plays like a super heavyweight, loves to shoot the puck, and is a pretty decent puck handler and soft hands. Give him more minutes (18-20) and he might turn out to be a 50-60 pt player.

He's a great fit with the Flyers and will serve you well.

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/philadelphia-flyers/37629-simmonds-5.html

Thanks for the help. I hope he doesn't turn into any of those things for you guys, lol.

 

[DChero]

This topic came up today, so I thought I'd share with you guys.

The question of playoff experience between the two goalies could factor in. Bryz wasn't stellar this past year, but gave Detroit a run the year before. That's arguably the toughest playoff team over the last few years. Vokoun doesn't have anything to build off of, which makes him look like more a risk.

Change anyone's mind? My vote still goes toward Vokoun.