Friday, October 23, 2009

Support

Semyon Varlamov has yet to lose a regular season game in regulation thus far in his young career (8-0-1). But he sure has had some adventures along the way. In five of his last seven regular season appearances (including a no-decision) he has allowed at least four goals.

How does he do that, you ask?

Well, it seems he might be one of those guys who resemble that occasional major league pitcher who wins a ton of games, but can't get anyone out doing it. For example, in 2006, Randy Johnson won 17 games for the New York Yankees, tying for fourth in all the major leagues in wins that season. But he had a ghastly ERA of 5.00 in doing it. He had a ton of run-support. Some guys get it.

Some goalies might get goal support, too. In his nine decisions as an NHL goaltender, Varlamov has been the beneficiary of 36 goals scored by the Caps (4.00/game). That doesn't include the four goals the Caps scored in a game this season in which Varlamov was pulled after giving up four goals of his own (a 6-5 overtime loss to the Flyers in which he did not figure in the decision).

Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good.

Still, we'd rather he be good.

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