Washington -- In a semi-surprise swap, the Washington Capitals switched goalies for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers.
Jose Theodore was relegated to a backup role Saturday, and rookie Simeon Varlamov got his first NHL playoff start for Washington.
After Game One of the Caps' series Wednesday, there was much speculation surrounding Theodore. He was simply not good in the 4-3 loss to the underdog New York Rangers, leaving his team without momentum and without home-ice advantage in the series. Suddenly, all the work Washington had done to earn the second seed in the East was up in smoke, NHL Fanhouse reports.
The 20-year-old Varlamov made only six appearances for Washington in the regular season, with five starts. His record was 4-0-1.
Theodore signed a $9 million, two-year contract as a free agent last offseason and went 32-17-5. He was the NHL's MVP in 2002.
Caps coach Bruce informed the two players of his decision after practice Friday, but it wasn't until Varlamov took more of the work during pregame warmups Saturday that it seemed clear to everyone else.
Shortly before the opening face-off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Varlamov skated over to the Capitals bench, where Theodore was sitting, wearing a baseball cap instead of a mask. They chatted briefly, then Theodore stayed put, and Varlamov took his place in front of the goal.
