What quality goalies were even available?  I mean, if you’ve got a chance to upgrade from an average to an elite goalie, you’re an idiot not to do it no matter where you are in the standings.  But upgrading from a mediocre goalie to an okay goalie?  I dunno.  Doesn’t seem worth much to me.

Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 03/03/10 at 06:00 PM ET

I think in Philly’s case, it is they have a shot with their current lineup and to get a goaltender of caliber to go with those expectations would’ve required breaking up that talent that seems to be gelling right now. I think Homer learned his lesson last season in trading away or not resigning players that fit the chemistry of the team. I have no problem with them standing pat at this deadline.

Posted by phillyd from New Jersey on 03/03/10 at 06:02 PM ET

Good points from both of you.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 03/03/10 at 06:03 PM ET

In Washington’s case, I don’t see any upgrades out there that made sense. Really the only goalie out there that was a big enough jump in quality to be worthwhile for the Caps is Tomas Vokoun, and sources say he was never really on the table.

It’s important to remember that the Caps actually have a lot of depth in goal, it’s just that their goalies are either Theodore or babies still. Varlamov is not quite 22, Neuvirth has played a number of solid NHL games this season and led Hershey to the Calder Cup last season (and is 21). They also have Braden Holtby who at 19 and a rookie pro is sixth in the AHL in save % and is 18-5-1. For them to get a goalie would mean blocking the youngsters.

The Caps addressed defense and center, which were the two biggest needs IMO.

Posted by gotstanley? on 03/03/10 at 06:15 PM ET

i posted this in the other thread, but it seems much more applicable to this thread. i wrote a member blog last night suggesting perhaps the Red Wings could have lured the Flyers into overpaying for Chris Osgood.

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/kmb/comments/itd_be_brash_but/

While that deal was probably not realistic, i’m really surprised the Flyers didn’t make a move for a goalie. they definitely seemed to be in the most desperate situation with Emery now out for the season. How far can they get with Leighton in net?

Let’s just say I’d much rather be in the Blackhawks situation with two pretty decent goalies that have both been winning all year or the Capitals with a young kid that played pretty amazing in the playoffs last year.

Posted by perfection from LaLaLand on 03/03/10 at 06:39 PM ET

As a hockey fan (not as a Pens fan), I would have liked to seen Philly grab Ellis.  I think he is deinitely an upgrade from Leighton, and it would have been hard for them to fit Vokoun under the cap, while getting Halak or Price likely would have been too costly.  Roloson might have worked as well.

Posted by NHLJeff from Pens fan in Chicago, IL on 03/03/10 at 07:04 PM ET

I’m a bit suprised DC is on that list.  Varly showed he can be a playoff goalie and Theo’s personal problems (good job KK for linking that article) seem to be behind him.  Plus, with DiPietro going down, the asking price for Biron and Roloson must have gone up quite a bit. 

But the real issue is how good a goalie does a team really need.  I personally do not think Osgood nor Fluery are all that good (that is, they are not Miller or Brodeur), but they were good enough to win the cup.  Having seen Theo stand on his head, and Varly doing so well last year, I think it is not at all a stretch to say their goaltending is good enough to win the cup.  I’m not as sure about their D, but that’s another story.

Philly not getting a goalie, well I figure the asking price was too high and their GM will let this season be what it will be and pick up the pieces after they lose in the playoffs (probably in the first round).

Posted by Jon from Prague on 03/03/10 at 09:05 PM ET

philly has no chips to move to upgrade almost anywhere on their team, without screwing themselves by moving the guy in the first place.  im not so sure they have that great of a chance at winning the thing anyway.

the caps added depth which is exactly what they needed.  but, unfortunately you need a guy who can make a save when it counts.  which is what guys like osgood and fleury do.  the numbers arent that great, but they stop em when it counts.  varlamov has never proven that, and theodore is really just out of sorts right now with everything hes got going on.

the hawks will be ok.  but its going to get a little dicey maybe.

i thought if the caps and hawks both added goalies, it’d be a lock for the finals series.  neither did.  pittsburgh got better.  buffalo got better.  new jersey got better (before the deadline i guess).

Posted by Boo Kershaw from k on 03/03/10 at 11:56 PM ET

I’m not really surprised by WSH and CHI not trading for a goalie. Both of the teams have the ability to score more goals than their goalies can let in. Also, the Hawks have D-men that are a bit better defensively.

With the Caps I see Varly being a solid goalie for the next few years but still developing which is why you need a veteran goalie there to help him develop and push him a little for hte starting job. It’s not quite the same situation with the Hawks, Huet will help Niemi develop by forcing the Hawks to play Niemi more while having a NHL caliber backup there in case he falters.

Philly is a totally different story. They should have went for another goalie. I’m not exactly sure who the best fit would have been for them but Leighton and Boucher won’t get them far in the playoffs (5-6 game first round exit). I like how Leighton has come in and played mostly, and it’s nice that the Flyers are giving him the reins but I just don’t see him being able to handle the load. Boucher may have went to the conference finals early in his career and had a good stint with SJ but he’s at the point in his career where he’s taking up a roster spot where a younger prospect should be.

As flawed as it may sound, I actually would have been happy with Biron coming back since he’s had some success in the playoffs and the losses weren’t all his fault. Also his numbers in Philly weren’t different than Emery’s were.

And surprisingly enough I’m a Flyers fan, but don’t mind the Caps

Posted by Tenvd from BC on 03/04/10 at 01:38 AM ET

I hate to say this but…Marty Biron was the only valid option as a rental goalie.  He isn’t the next coming of Patrick Roy, Ken Dryden, or Grant Fuhr but with a solid defense he get’s the job done.  Not to mention the low cap hit.  It was foolish of the teams mentioned not to pick him up (Chicago, Washington, Philly)...though none of these teams has a truly solid defense.

Granted…Vokoun was a better option for teams in the East (at least as far as stonewalling the penguins) but…I don’t think Florida (nor vokoun) was interested in helping a rival.  Dan Ellis is not a 1A goaltender; he lost his job to what amounts to a rookie and while Rinne is GOOD he isn’t THAT good.

Of these teams the Blackhawks are in the least trouble…even if Niemi falls apart Huet can be capable (note the “can”).  But if Leighton falters (which he will) the Flyers fans will be cursing the refs when they should be cursing management…Emery wasn’t a starting goaltender to begin with.  Boucher has flashes of brilliance but he won’t hold up if Leighton goes down.  They structured too much salary for the team and left the scraps for the goaltending which almost always spells DOOM (unless you’re detroit).

I don’t know what’s going on in Washington but Jose Theodore has never carried a team…and Neuvirth has never struck me as a shutdown goaltender in absence of defense (Varlamov CAN be).  If they end up playing a defensively minded club like Buffalo or Jersey they will hit a brick wall (regardless of regular season records).

Posted by stoneman from vegas on 03/04/10 at 06:06 AM ET