Neuvirth Rising

Anyone who reads my twitter feed knows I like Neuvirth, and last night everyone in Washington got the opportunity to see why.

Sure he potentially looked a little shaky at the beginning of the game. What 21 year old AHL goaltender getting called up to netmind during the hottest NHL streak since 2001 wouldn’t? The true test of his character was that he stuck with it and persevered (even after Alexander Semin deposited himself and the puck into the net).

Part of Neuvirth’s exceptional character is that he readily admitted that he wasn’t sharp in the first period. That didn’t stop him and he worked through the rough spots and improved.

Probably the greatest testament to his character is that he deflected the credit for the win, despite making some outright amazing saves throughout the game. It was Theo’s winning streak and he made sure the media know that he was just helping.

Neuvirth has a whole lot of skill to go along with his attitude and work ethic. That glove save that he made while falling into a seated position was picture perfect, as were many of his other saves.

He’s come a long way from his first call-up and he continues to impress. While I know Varlamov is coming back soon, and I will gladly welcome his return, I want everyone to take the time to appreciate the amazing goaltending that this youngster put forth Friday night against the Thrashers. He earned that first star.

While Varlamov’s return may signal Neuvirth’s reassignment to the AHL for the remainder of the season, I have no doubt that everyone in Washington is going to be seeing a whole lot of him next season.

(This appeared on www.crashthecrease.com)