Untitled Page

Semyon Varlamov News & Rumors

Avs will start Varlamov vs. Columbus in must-win game Thursday
April 5
Denver Post
 
"Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said goalie Semyon Varlamov will make his eighth consecutive start in Thursday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center, and winger Jamie McGinn is questionable with a back injury. McGinn, who has 12 points (eight goals) in 15 games with the Avs, missed Colorado's previous game, a 4-1 win at Calgary last Friday that kept the club's slim playoff hopes alive. He said he injured his back March 22 at Phoenix but played in ensuing games at San Jose and Vancouver. He practiced Wednesday for the first time this week. "Five days rest, so hopefully that's enough," McGinn said."
Semyon Varlamov leads Avalanche past Flames
March 31
Denver Post
 
"For six days, they'll have to wait and watch and, quite frankly, pray for a miracle. For 60 minutes, at least, the Avalanche staved off what seems inevitable. With Friday night's 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Avs snapped a four-game losing skid and did their part in a probably-too-late attempt to earn a playoff spot in the NHL's Western Conference. They're still in 10th place with 88 points, and they have only two games remaining and will likely slide during a six-day layoff before finally returning to the ice for Thursday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center. The other teams still in the race have at least four games to go. "Now,"
Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov improving as he settles in
March 19
Denver Post
 
"The wins and save percentage keep going up. The goals-against average and wisecracks keep going down. Verbal digs at the Avalanche's trade that sent two high draft choices to Washington for goaltender Semyon Varlamov last summer were once plentiful. "Thanks for the lottery pick" was a common sentiment from Capitals fans. As it stands now, the Caps are more likely to pick higher in the first round of this year's NHL draft with their own pick than with the one acquired from Colorado (along with a second-round pick). It also stands that the Avs have the hottest goalie in the NHL — and he's only 23 years old."
Avalanche's Semyon Varlamov gets back to being No. 1 goalie
March 12
Denver Post
 
"The Avalanche enters its final 12 games of the regular season with confidence in all three zones, particularly in the highly protective area between the pipes. Young goaltender Semyon Varlamov and backup Jean-Sebastien Giguere are perhaps the primary reasons the Avs have every intention of making the playoffs. Varlamov has been stellar in his past four games, allowing only six combined goals, and Giguere is rested and prepared to play if the Russian falters. The Avs didn't practice Sunday, and coach Joe Sacco will wait until this morning to announce tonight's starter against the Anaheim Ducks at the Pepsi Center, but all signs point toward Varlamov."
Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov gains respect for team-first attitude
February 14
Denver Post
 
"Semyon Varlamov has been a good soldier throughout the difficulty of losing his role as the Avalanche's No. 1 goaltender. There hasn't been any pouting or verbal sniping toward the coach over what could have become a difficult situation. It explains why Varlamov has earned respect in the Avs' dressing room, and why teammates were happy for him after a 41-save performance Saturday night at St. Louis when the Avs gained a point they arguably didn't deserve. Varlamov, though, isn't about to get too satisfied over one game — one that still finished as an overtime loss."
So far, Semyon Varlamov far from the No. 1 goalie the Colorado Avalanche expected
February 9
Denver Post
 
"When Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman surprised the NHL by parting with first- and second-round draft picks to acquire Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals last July, he quickly proclaimed him not just the team's goaltender of the future, but the present. "There is a belief that this player is going to be a guy that can carry the load for us," Sherman said at the time. "The goaltending position was a priority for us. We believe that in Semyon Varlamov, we've addressed those needs this offseason and for many years to come.""
Avs lose again with Varlamov in net, this time to Edmonton Oilers, 3-2
February 1
Denver Post
 
"Well rested and seemingly well positioned to get back in the win column against the second-worst team in the NHL's Western Conference, Tuesday night's return to the crease proved to be an opportunity lost for the Avalanche and goaltender Semyon Varlamov in a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. "Now it's post all-star break, and I believe there's another gear you need to get too. Much like if you're a team that makes the playoffs. In order for us to achieve what we want to achieve as a team, we have to find that next gear right now," Avs coach Joe Sacco said before the game."
Injured Matt Duchene might be weeks from returning to Avs
January 31
Denver Post
 
"The news wasn't great concerning injured Avalanche forward Matt Duchene today. While the rest of the Avs resumed practice at Family Sports Center following the NHL all-star break, Duchene was not among them, and it appears more a matter of weeks — not days — until he returns again. "Right now, he's still out indefinitely," Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said following practice. "Hopefully, he'll be on the ice sometime in the near future, but it's still indefinite and we'll see from there.""
Semyon Varlamov not pouting over being backup goalie with Colorado Avalanche
January 25
Denver Post
 
"If Semyon Varlamov were to say he's happy with his situation, Avalanche fans and team management would question his competitive fire. But Varlamov isn't about to start pouting because he has lost his status as the team's No. 1 goalie to Jean-Sebastien Giguere. "J.S. is playing well right now, and it's good for the team," Varlamov said. "I just have to keep working. I know it's going to be tough, but I just have to be ready — always." Varlamov hasn't played since allowing six goals in a lopsided loss at Phoenix last week. He lost his previous start before that, to Nashville. "That's why I'm not playing right now, I think," Varlamov said. "But it's a long season. We still have 30 games after"
Capitals could face Semyon Varlamov, their former goalie now with Avalanche, on Saturday
December 17
Washington Post
 
"There was a time not too long ago that Semyon Varlamov was one of the most prized prospects in the Washington Capitals organization. But over time, as his young career was beset by injuries and he slipped down the depth chart, the netminder was in search of a fresh start. Varlamov received one last July when the Capitals traded the Russian goaltender to the Colorado Avalanche for a first-round selection in the 2012 NHL entry draft, along with their choice of a second-round pick in either 2012 or 2013. On Saturday in Denver, the Capitals may have the chance to see how their former first-round draft pick looks in the opposing net. "It's going to be exciting, obviously," said Michal"
Varlamov has key save in shootout victory
December 3
Denver Post
 
"Let there be no doubt Semyon Varlamov has some flexibility. The Avalanche goalie did the splits while making a great toe save on St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie in the shootout Friday night as part of the Avs' 3-2 victory. Varlamov made several other acrobatic saves, part of his 35-stop, perfect-in-the-shootout performance. After a rough patch last month in which he allowed six regulation goals each in losses to Dallas and Pittsburgh, Varlamov has been strong, easing worries of Avs fans following a trade that saw the team part with first- and second-round picks to get him. In his last five starts, Varlamov is 3-2, with a 1.78 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. He has"
Avs' Semyon Varlamov prepares for company
November 23
Denver Post
 
"For European players in the NHL, the holidays can be lonely, dispiriting times. For the young, unmarried ones, the holidays can be downright depressing. While North American players often receive visits from family, players from overseas usually have only cellphone calls or images over a computer monitor from loved ones. So it was with an upward lilt in his voice that Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov talked about how much he's looking forward to his parents and sister soon moving in with him at his Denver home. On Saturday, his mother, Larisa, is scheduled to arrive from Samara, Russia, while sister, Julia, arrives next month and father, Alexander, comes in February."
Semyon Varlamov to be in goal for Avalanche vs. Vancouver Canucks
November 23
Denver Post
 
"Semyon Varlamov will return to the starting net Wednesday night when the Avalanche hosts the Vancouver Canucks?. "I think he's going to play well for us," Avs coach Joe Sacco said after practice today. "He's had a few days now to work on some things, and I think he's ready." Varlamov served as backup to veteran J.S. Giguere the past three games, after struggling his previous couple of performances."
Semyon Varlamov solid and stylish in the net for Avalanche
October 26
Denver Post
 
"How to describe Semyon Varlamov's goaltending style? Call it the lobster-butterfly. Like the famous crustacean assuming a defensive posture, the Avalanche goalie hunches low and keeps his left claw, er, glove out there, ready to snap up a loose puck flying through the air. When the puck comes in low, Varlamov employs the classic butterfly style most goalies use today. However one defines Varlamov's style, it's working. He carries a 4-2-0 record into the first divisional game of the season for the Avs tonight at Calgary, with a 2.41 goals-against average and .929 save percentage."
Avalanche's Semyon Varlamov shuts out Boston Bruins
October 11
Denver Post
 
"As Wayne Gretzky once said, and the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs? liked to use as a motivational saying, great players in hockey don't go where the puck is but where it's going to be. The Great One (Gretzky) applied that to position players, but it's true for goaltenders as well. Anticipating where the puck would be next was the reason new Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov preserved the lead and, eventually, a shutout victory in Colorado's 1-0 win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins on Monday afternoon at TD Garden. It was the definition of the highlight-reel save, the kind that makes broadcasters yell and tweeters tack on seven or eight exclamation points. Varlamov's"
Kings rip Avs, new goalie Varlamov, 6-0 in preseason
September 29
Denver Post
 
"The game is already in the giant void of meaninglessness, where all preseason professional sports contests go. But for players eager to make a good first impression on skittish, scared Avalanche fans — players such as new goalie Semyon Varlamov — perhaps Wednesday's game had some meaning. Don't tell Avalanche management these games mean nothing, either — not after investing so much capital in obtaining Varlamov from Washington this summer to be the answer in net. Symbolically, the Avs are off to a bad start after their abysmal showing of 2010-11, in falling to 1-3 in the preseason after a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at the Pepsi Center. At least there is plenty of time to get off"
Avalanche goalie Varlamov honors Russian team by playing on
September 18
Denver Post
 
"Semyon Varlamov hopes the pain lessens a little more with every passing day. The new Avalanche goalie knows, however, that the horrible feelings from Sept. 7 will never fully go away. They're still with him a lot. It's been only 11 days since a Yak-42 Russian chartered jet crashed off the banks of the Volga River and claimed the lives of everyone who played for the Kontinential Hockey League's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl — Varlamov's former team before joining the NHL with Washington in 2008. Included among the victims were former Avs defensemen Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins, and many others that Varlamov knew and had as teammates. There was a chance that Varlamov might have returned to play"
Avs goalie Varlamov heads to Russia for services in wake of crash
September 9
Denver Post
 
"Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov left Denver on Thursday to travel to his native Russia, where he will attend services for several former teammates who died in Wednesday's plane crash involving a Kontinental Hockey League team. Avalanche vice president Jean Martineau said Varlamov, acquired by the Avs from the Washington Capitals on July 1, was en route to Russia, but he will return to Denver before the start of training camp next weekend. Veteran players are scheduled to report for physicals next Friday, with training camp beginning the next day."
Semyon Varlamov breaks silence on trade to Colorado
July 11
Washington Post
 
"Former Capitals goaltender Semyon Varlamov has finally decided to break his silence about the circumstances of his trade to Colorado and some of the late-June craziness that involved his near-transfer to the KHL. I visited Varlamov in Lancaster, Pa., where he was living with a friend from his Hershey days. He is staying there throughout July, though he will need to take a trip to Washington to extend his U.S. visa. Apparently, when leaving for America a couple of weeks ago, Varlamov didn't expect to stay long. He still thought he may never get traded and would have to go back to Russia, to start the KHL training camp. SKA St. Petersburg's training camp starts July 20. Varlamov's return"
Capitals trade Semyon Varlamov to Colorado Avalanche for draft picks
July 1
Washington Post
 
"After several days of speculation surrounding goaltender Semyon Varlamov’s future in both Washington and the NHL, the Capitals announced that they’ve traded the 23-year-old Russian to the Colorado Avalanche. In return for Varlamov, Washington acquired Colorado’s first round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft along with a second round selection in either 2012 or 2013. This week, reports based on comments from Varlamov’s Russian agent surfaced stating that the former first-round draft pick had opted to return home and play in the Kontinental Hockey League. Although Varlamov is a restricted free agent and received a qualifying offer from the Capitals, if he had departed for the KHL, the team"
Semyon Varlamov set to leave Capitals, play in Russia
June 30
Washington Times
 
"Late in the season, there were whispers that goaltender Semyon Varlamov might leave the Washington Capitals to play in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. When asked about those reports the day after the Caps were eliminated from the playoffs, general manager George McPhee stood up for the NHL. "If he wants to go to the KHL, let him go," McPhee said in a bit of posturing. "This is the best league in the world, and most players want to play here." That's exactly what Varlamov has decided to do — go to the KHL next season, according to a report Wednesday by the Russian news agency Sovietsky Sport. It's uncertain whether the 23-year-old will sign with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv or SKA St."
Semyon Varlamov's KHL rights will not be traded; future with Washington Capitals still unclear
June 30
Washington Post
 
"The question of whether Semyon Varlamov will return to the Capitals — or the NHL, for that matter — continues to evolve this week with the latest development coming out of the Kontinental Hockey League. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl announced Wednesday that it will not trade Varlamov's KHL rights and would like to sign the 23-year-old goaltender. The earliest Varlamov could sign in the KHL, though, is July 1. According to both Slava Malamud of Russia's Sport-Express and Dmitry Chesnokov, of Russia's Sovetsky Sport and Yahoo's Puck Daddy, it's believed Lokomotiv will offer Varlamov around $2 million per season. It's still possible the Capitals could reach an agreement with Varlamov, who is a"
Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov unlikely to be in net next season
June 28
Washington Post
 
"One of the most intriguing subplots of the Washington Capitals' offseason is whether the team plans to keep all three of its young goaltenders who are challenging for NHL starts or alter the platoon system in net. It may be the latter. Restricted free agent Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals, according to a report from Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo's Puck Daddy and Sovetsky Sport. A resolution of Varlamov's status should occur before free agency begins on Friday, according to Chesnokov. Washington has submitted a qualifying offer to Varlamov, 23, which gives the team negotiating rights and the ability to match any outside offer sheet. If Varlamov signs an offer sheet with"
Report: Semyon Varlamov likely won't re-sign with Washington Capitals
June 27
Washington Post
 
"Of the many decisions the Washington Capitals will make this offseason, one of the most intriguing is whether the team plans to continue moving forward with all three of its young goaltending prospects or alter the platoon of talent in net. According to a report from Dmitry Chesnokov, of Yahoo's Puck Daddy and Sovetsky Sport, it may be the latter. Pending restricted free agent Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals, Chesnokov tweeted, adding that a resolution about the goaltender's future should come before NHL free agency begins on July 1. Washington has submitted a qualifying offer to Varlamov, 23, which gives the team the right of first refusal or draft pick"
Semyon Varlamov: 'I would really like to sign a deal in America'
June 21
Washington Post
 
"As July 1 nears, the Washington Capitals will be forced to make their decision on goalie Semyon Varlamov. Obviously, unlike with other restricted free agents, Varlamov's being Russian complicates matters, as the KHL, under no obligation to respect NHL's RFA rules, is always a threat to snatch home-grown talents back to the Motherland. As it were, today Sport-Express has been able to confirm that Varlamov is indeed a subject of several developments in Russia. As I have posted earlier on my Twitter account, the current situation is as follows. Varlamov's former club, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, currently holds his KHL negotiating rights. Lokomotiv, though, is relatively poor, and as sources within"
If healthy, Semyon Varlamov gives Capitals the best chance
March 22
Washington Post
 
"The ink was barely dry on the scoresheet after Michal Neuvirth whitewashed the surging New Jersey Devils when Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau announced that Semyon Varlamov would get his shot at becoming Washington's goalie for the playoffs. Assuming Varlamov's health is not an issue when he returns, should he beat out Neuvirth and Braden Holtby as the starter for the second season? Playoff goalies need to perform in the clutch. That means holding the lead when they have it, giving their team a chance to win if they don't and making sure the easy goals don't hit the twine. I broke down the scoring chance save percentages of the young trio in different clutch situations at even strength to"
Semyon Varlamov participates in practice
March 20
Washington Post
 
"Goalie Semyon Varlamov continued his progress back from a knee injury with full participation in practice this morning at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Then underscoring that Varlamov's return to the lineup is imminent, the club reassigned goalie Braden Holtby to Hershey of AHL. The Capitals officially announced the move the morning after Michal Neuvirth stopped all 33 shots he faced in a 3-0 victory over New Jersey. It was the fourth shutout of the season for Neuvirth, who is making a strong bid to become the featured goalie when the playoffs begin. The Capitals have won 10 of 11 overall and seven of eight on the road. Neuvirth originally yielded to Holtby after taking a puck off his helmet"
Semyon Varlamov set to return to Capitals' lineup
March 20
Washington Post
 
"Washington Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov is on schedule to be back in the lineup this week, Coach Bruce Boudreau said following Saturday morning's abbreviated practice. Varlamov's imminent return, however, necessitated reassigning goalie Braden Holtby to Hershey on the heels of a call-up stretch in which he contributed significantly to Washington's upswing. Holtby was named First Star of the Week on March 14 after going 4-0 with a 1.05 goals-against average and a .965 save percentage during the Capitals' climb to second place in the Eastern Conference. The rookie stopped 110 of 114 shots that week, beginning with 20 saves in a 2-1 shootout win against Tampa Bay on March 7. One game later"
Caps goalie Semyon Varlamov expected to miss 7 to 10 days
March 5
Washington Post
 
"Coach Bruce Boudreau said goaltender Semyon Varlamov will be out an additional seven to 10 days from yesterday and will not be traveling with the Capitals on its trip to Florida and Tampa Bay. Varlamov has not skated the past three days with an apparent knee injury -- and hasn't played in a game since Feb. 20 -- but had been listed as day-to-day before this most recent update. "He'll be out, according to yesterday, about seven to 10 days, and then we figure we'll get him back," Boudreau said. "That was the latest." Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby will be the goaltenders heading on the road, and Boudreau said he is confident that Holtby is healthy enough after his own recent knee injury"
Semyon Varlamov remains in the net for the Capitals for now
January 11
Washington Post
 
"Semyon Varlamov didn't expect to start against the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 26. But when Michal Neuvirth felt a twinge in his groin after the morning skate that day, the Russian took advantage of the chance to reclaim the net, stopping 33 shots in a 3-2 victory. Varlamov has started each of the four games since, going 3-0-1 and putting himself ahead of Neuvirth, for now, in the ongoing competition to become the Washington Capitals' top goaltender. Entering Tuesday's game in Florida against the Panthers, he hasn't allowed more than two goals in a single outing of those five and has stopped 152 of 158 shots faced for a .962 save percentage. He's been spectacular when necessary, controlled"
Varlamov is NHL First Star of the Week
January 4
Washington Examiner
 
"Caps goalie Semyon Varlamov was named the NHL's First Star of the Week on Monday morning. What a wild year it's been already for Washington's young goalie tandem. Michal Neuvirth was October's rookie of the month while Varlamov desperately tried to shake a groin injury. The two split the starting job when Varlamov finally made it back in late November, but Neuvirth played well enough that Varlamov appeared in just four of 11 games between Dec. 2 and Dec. 23. But then an apparent injury during the morning skate kept Neuvirth out of the lineup for a game Dec. 26 against Carolina – a contest he was expected to start – and Varlamov hasn't looked back since, stopping 90 of 93 shots on goal in"
Semyon Varlamov shines in the Winter Classic
January 2
Washington Post
 
"If there were any players who might have been the most impacted by the continually deteriorating weather conditions at Heinz Field for the NHL's Winter Classic, it was the two goaltenders. While Marc-Andre Fleury seemed to slide out of the net when making saves throughout the contest, Semyon Varlamov didn't seem limited by any pooling of water around the crease or unpredictable puck bounces. Varlamov's 32-save performance in one of the Capitals' more memorable wins over the Penguins during the two teams' rather storied rivalry was his third consecutive victory, and as Coach Bruce Boudreau said afterward, the young Russian is in a "pretty good zone." "It shows that he can play in pressure"
Varlamov set to start Winter Classic start
January 1
Washington Post
 
"Semyon Varlamov will make his third straight start Saturday when the Pens host the Caps in the fourth annual Winter Classic at Heinz Field, Coach Bruce Boudreau told me this afternoon. "I can't see how I can't give him the start," Boudreau said. "I have all the faith in the world in [Michal Neuvirth] because he's played great. But this is what happens sometimes. You can only play one, so Varly gets the nod." I'll have a lot more on Boudreau's decision in an On Hockey piece, which should be online shortly."
Varlamov stops 25 shots in Washington's 3-0 victory
December 29
Washington Post
 
"Over the past several weeks, the Washington Capitals started to implement a more defensive mind-set and system into their roster of offensive thoroughbreds. It isn't a perfect transition as the group learns to adjust and react with patience and even an occasional neutral-zone trap, but lately they've started to see tangible results. On Tuesday at Verizon Center the Capitals put together one of their better all-around performances, with a particular commitment to the defensive game plan, in recent memory. They didn't allow the Montreal Canadiens many quality scoring chances and remained patient in pursuit of a balanced 3-0 win that marked Washington's fourth victory in the past five"
Bruce Boudreau on goaltending: 'We're not going after anybody else'
December 15
Washington Post
 
"There may be a variety of reasons for the Washington Capitals' six-game losing streak, but goaltending is not chief among them, at least not according to Coach Bruce Boudreau, who vigorously defended Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov today after practice when questioned about local and national media reports suggesting an upgrade at the position was necessary. "I'll tell them the same thing: We've got two great young goaltenders," he said during a heavily attended media session at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. "Not good, but great young goaltenders. We're not going after anybody else." In Washington's 7-0 loss to the New York Rangers on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, Varlamov faced just 20"
Semyon Varlamov leads Caps over Hurricanes in shootout
November 29
Washington Post
 
"If the Washington Capitals had been able to break through for one more goal in the first period against Carolina on Sunday, they likely wouldn't have come close to needing the one they scored in a shootout. The Caps scored twice in a dominant first period, but they failed to bury the plucky Hurricanes early on, and it cost them a regulation victory. Hurricanes center Eric Staal wristed a shot past Semyon Varlamov after a deflection in front of the net with 2.2 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime, and when Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal on either side during the shootout, the Caps gained only one point on their Southeast Division rivals with a 3-2 win at Verizon"
Capitals recall Semyon Varlamov
November 23
Washington Post
 
"Washington has recalled goaltender Semyon Varlamov from Hershey. This morning, Coach Bruce Boudreau said that it was no longer a question of health with Varlamov, who was with the Bears on a conditioning stint following the latest flare up of a groin problem, but when he would be game-ready. Varlamov arrived in New Jersey this afternoon and is listed on the official scoresheet as Braden Holtby's backup and a team spokesman said he will be on the bench soon"
Varlamov makes second rehab start
November 22
Washington Post
 (scroll down)
"On Saturday, goaltender Semyon Varlamov made 19 saves in his second start with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears in a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh Penguins affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Boudreau said there continues to be no set timeline for Varlamov's conditioning assignment in Hershey and that there have been no setbacks in the 22-year-old's recovery from the latest flare-up of a groin injury that has hampered him all season. The Capitals are looking to give Varlamov ample time to get back into a game rhythm as he appeared in only two NHL games."
Varlamov nearing return
November 10
Washington Examiner
 
"Before leaving for New York to play the Rangers on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, the Capitals learned on Monday that goalie Semyon Varlamov is closer to returning from a lingering groin injury. The 22-year-old skated during Monday's 30-minute practice at Kettler Iceplex and then stayed on the ice for extra work. Afterwards, Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said Varlamov could see some "game situations" as soon as this weekend. That likely would come during a rehabilitation stint at AHL Hershey. Varlamov has started just one game this season and played 46 minutes in another. He was originally hurt during training camp. The Caps (10-4-0, 20 points), tied for the best record in the Eastern"
Healthy Varlamov joins Neuvirth in competition to be Capitals' top goalie
October 16
Washington Post
 
"For the first week of the season, Michal Neuvirth didn't need to wonder much about whether he would start in goal for the Washington Capitals. Beginning with Saturday's game in Nashville, however, Neuvirth knows the starter could very well be another 22-year-old. Semyon Varlamov is expected to dress against the Predators after fully recovering from the groin injury that cut his training camp short and kept him out for more than three weeks, marking the true start of a season-long competition to become the Capitals' top netminder. "It was nice to get going, to play four NHL games in a row and to win three in a row at home. It was big for us and meant a lot to me," Neuvirth said. "But I"
For Caps, Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov don't mind sharing time in goal
October 10
Washington Post
 columnist Tracee Hamilton
"We are a country of rankings. We like lists of anything arranged in order of greatness or awfulness or any other standard we choose to impose. Sports in particular embraces rankings, but they permeate most facets of our lives: the richest people, the best colleges, the worst dressed. The Capitals are a notable exception: They have two young goalies, but neither is designated No. 1 - at least not yet this season, and maybe not at all this season. With the departure of veteran Jose Theodore in the offseason, Semyon Varlamov seemed destined for the No. 1 designation. But the Russian is on injured reserve after missing much of the preseason with a groin injury. Coach Bruce Boudreau expects"
Capitals put Varlamov on IR; Neuvirth likely to start
October 7
Washington Post
 
"With the start of the regular season one day away, the Washington Capitals placed goalie Semyon Varlamov on injured reserve. Varlamov, who is recovering from an undisclosed injury, could be available for Friday's season opener in Atlanta because the club made the move retroactive to his last appearance on Sept. 22, but that scenario appears a long shot given he has not practiced fully since early last week. Indications are instead Michal Neuvirth will start against the Thrashers, with Dany Sabourin as the backup. The Capitals play their home opener on Saturday against New Jersey, and if Varlamov remains unable to go, Coach Bruce Boudreau must decide if he'll start Neuvirth on consecutive"
Ovechkin and Varlamov lead Capitals in Montreal
April 22
Washington Post
 
"The Canadiens were draped all over Alex Ovechkin on Wednesday night like a groupie at last call. Their fans booed him every time he touched the puck with that magic wand disguised as a stick. No matter. When Ovechkin drew back and fired a beauty of a shot past Carey Price midway through the third period, the Caps took a 3-2 lead. Game 4 was essentially over. But Ovechkin wasn't done. After the obligatory hugs, he skated to the opposite end of the ice to bump fists -- or gloves -- with goalie Semyon Varlamov. All night, pucks had been flying at his countryman like so much flak from a Spitfire, and he'd more than held his own. So what did Ovechkin say to the young Russian? "It was emotion"
Caps must stick with Semyon
April 21
Washington Examiner
 columnist James Irwin
"Faced with a two-goal deficit -- and the prospect of going to Bell Centre in a 2-0 series hole -- Bruce Boudreau made the only move he could make, pulling goalie Jose Theodore and replacing him with backup Semyon Varlamov on Saturday night. Now, if the Capitals hope to make a run this postseason, Boudreau must stick with his guy. Several factors went into the decision to bench Theodore in Game 2 at Verizon Center. Two stick out: Theodore had allowed goals on the first two shots he faced. And the Caps needed a jump-start. Aside from channeling Earl Weaver and getting himself tossed out of the game, Boudreau didn't have many options. But now that Varlamov is starting -- and now that the Caps"
Caps stay quiet on whether Varlamov will start
April 19
Washington Examiner
 
"The choice is no different now than it was a year ago for Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau. Does he stick with veteran goaltender Jose Theodore or turn back to rookie Semyon Varlamov? The fate of Washington's season could hang in the balance as it prepares for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup conference quarterfinals against the Montreal Canadiens. As of Sunday morning's practice at Kettler Iceplex, Boudreau would not tip his hand. After a video session with goalie coach Arturs Irbe and consultation with the rest of his staff, Boudreau said he likely would inform the starter - whoever he is - by the end of the team's flight to Montreal early Sunday evening."
Capitals should go back to Theodore for Game 3
April 19
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Wise
"Bruce Boudreau has several good reasons to start Semyon Varlamov in goal for Game 3 Monday night in Montreal. For one, yanking José Theodore for the kid worked a year ago in Game 2 of the first round against the Rangers, who could hardly solve the Russian wunderkind and eventually lost the series in seven games. Since Montreal's own Theodore will understandably be emotionally charged to go up against his former Canadiens in Game 3, why even take the chance of letting a Bell Centre crowd rattle him any further? He's probably already shaken up from being pulled in the first period of Game 2 after letting in the only two shots he faced. And why not give Varly -- who, before battling injury"
Capitals lean toward using both goaltenders as Game 3 in Montreal approaches
April 19
Washington Post
 
"Late in Sunday morning's practice session at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, Semyon Varlamov -- the player who was in net at the conclusion of the Washington Capitals' stomach-flipping overtime victory over Montreal on Saturday night -- stood in goal at one end of the ice, taking shot after shot from a pair of assistant coaches. José Theodore, the man who began that same game in net before he was yanked after all of two shots, watched closely from between the faceoff circles. When it was Theodore's turn, he skated toward the goal, bumped goalie gloves with Varlamov, and settled in for the same drill. To hear Coach Bruce Boudreau tell it, if the Capitals are to spend any significant amount of"
Boudreau defends Varlamov
March 13
Washington Post
 
"Washington Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau was visibly disappointed after his team lost to Tampa Bay, 3-2, but made sure to say it was not the fault of goalie Semyon Varlamov, who faced 27 shots. Varlamov was the victim of some bad bounces, including a puck that deflected off center Vincent Lecavalier and into the goal. Boudreau said he didn't think Varlamov saw the puck after Matt Walker fired the shot that hit Lecavalier. Officials reviewed the play and determined the score should stand, giving Lecavalier his 19th goal and 60th point of the season."
Caps recall Semyon Varlamov
February 9
Washington Post
 
"The Caps have recalled goalie Semyon Varlamov, who started in Hershey on Sunday and made 26 saves in a 5-4 comeback win over the Baby Pens. Varlamov, who has been rehabbing a lingering knee injury, is practicing with the team at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The 21-year-old hasn't played for the Caps since Dec. 7."