Better positioning his been the key to Theodore's resurgence says HNIC analyst Kelly Hrudey (Getty Images)
Feature
Wild times for José Théodore
Star goalie re-discovers himself in Colorado
Last Updated Wed., April 8, 2007
By Chris Iorfida, CBC Sports
Goaltender José Théodore got a little bit of his swagger back this season, and the Colorado Avalanche is going to need it to eliminate the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference playoffs, which begin April 9.
After two disappointing seasons, the NHL's most valuable player and top goalie from 2002 began this season as a $6 million US backup behind Peter Budaj.
Théodore has gradually bounced back to resemble the goalie who was once favoured to be the Montreal Canadiens' star goalie for years to come. He finished with a 2.44 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 52 games this season, with three shutouts.
"I just think it's been a really terrific story the way that he's rebounded, because that can be the end of a goaltender," said Hockey Night in Canada analyst and former netminder Kelly Hrudey.
"If your confidence is shattered and you don't know if you can get back to that kind of play again, it's only because of sheer hard work or determination [that you succeed]. Otherwise, he could have been out of the game."
More challenges lie ahead, against a team that was 5-2-1 against Colorado in the regular season.
After giving up three goals on eight shots in the matchup with Edmonton on March 22, Théodore put together a 5-0-1 streak to end the season, including a win in the season finale against the Wild.
It was Théodore's first victory in four tries against Minnesota, during which he allowed 11 goals. The Wild's Brian Rolston was a particular nemesis, with three goals.
"They're a very skilled team, and people think they're just all [defensive], but they can skate and move the puck," Théodore told the Denver Post after the final game of the season. "For me, it's about keeping it simple and keep doing what I've been doing. "
Benched Théodore didn't pout, worked hard
The six years since he won the Hart and Vezina trophies for Montreal haven't been particularly simple. His play deviated from the 2002 standard in the two subsequent seasons, and then the lockout hit.
When the NHL returned in late 2005, Théodore's play was mediocre, and legal issues involving members of his family didn't help matters.
Dealt to Colorado by Montreal just before the 2006 trade deadline, he won a playoff series for the Avalanche that season, but the underachieving Dallas Stars were more of a factor than his own play in deciding the outcome.
The 2006-07 season saw him lose his job outright, to Budaj, with the Avalanche missing the playoffs for the first time since the franchise moved from Quebec City to Denver.
The team may have lost confidence in Théodore's play but not in him, a big distinction, according to Hrudey.
"When he had his struggles, and I think this is important, he really endeared himself with his hard work," said Hrudey. "He didn't ever pout, and he was a really great teammate."
Théodore not as deep in net this season
This season, the defence corps and the goaltender have fed off each other. Colorado acquired gritty Scott Hannan via free agency before the season, and Jeff Finger emerged in his first full campaign. There was further reinforcement at the trade deadline, with veterans Ruslan Salei and former Avalanche stalwart Adam Foote acquired.
Theodore finished with a 2.44 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 52 games this season (Getty Images)
As a result, the Avalanche allowed 32 fewer goals than last season.
Théodore told the Denver Post in March he approached the last year of his contract just like any other, but Hrudey sees tangible differences.
"Because of his positioning, he's farther out, he's not nearly as deep in the net as he once was," said Hrudey. "Usually, you can relate that to confidence.
"If you start to get lit up a little bit, you tend to think you're a little safer in your net, but really you're not. It takes a little bit more guts to get out [and challenge shooters], and that's what he's done."
Colorado has put a lot of effort into the return to the playoffs, even bringing back local legend Peter Forsberg.
From a personal standpoint, the playoffs will also be huge for Théodore. The Avalanche may want to continue its partnership with him next season — albeit at a reduced price — but other teams could be also interested during an offseason not flush with free-agent goaltenders.
From Montreal to Colorado, Théodore has unintentionally followed the path of Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy.
Roy called it a career after the Avalanche suffered an upset in the 2003 playoffs against Minnesota. Théodore can continue the new lease on his career with a strong showing against the Wild.
2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Stanley Cup final
DET vs PIT
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MIN vs COL
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