Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee is one tough dude. He has rightly earned the nickname "the undertaker" from local sports media. McPhee has seen the best and the worst of times as General Manager of the Caps. He Remembers when the Caps could be counted on as annual sellers this time of year. He also remembers seasons where the Caps were buyers. One of those seasons resulted in the Caps first and only Stanley Cup appearance.McPhee looked at the mini-deals leading up to and taking place at the deadline and decided to keep his team that earned 85 points and is fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference together. McPhee explored several options to upgrade including an inquiry on Chris Pronger's status in Anaheim but came away with the impression that they were not moving him until the draft. Other inquiries required prized prospects in return such as Alzner, Varlamov or Carlson. Caps owner, Ted Leonsis wants to build a?perennial?winner in Washington and trading away your youth for rentals is not the way to get it done over the long haul.
The Caps maybe getting some much needed help for their recent defensive lapses in the form of Brian Pothier. Pothier is a steady puck moving, smooth skating defenseman that plays disciplined hockey. If he can return to pre concussion form the Caps have upgraded from within. Theodore has his issues but he has earned ?his opportunity to lead the Caps into the playoffs. The Caps have an ace in the hole in Rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov. The best?comparison?of Varlamov in terms of goalies is Mikka Kriprusoff. Varlamov is extremely athletic and easily the most talented goalie in the Caps system. It should surprise no one if "Varlie" becomes the #1 goalie should Theodore falter.So it is time to wait and see how the Caps respond to the faith both George McPhee and Ted Leonsis placed in them.?
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