All summer long we’ve been treated to NHL-related storylines that are of the less than pleasant type. We’ve had nothing but stories of greed, controversy, financial ruin, mugshots and the like to keep us “entertained” for months. Now that hockey is back and camp is in full swing, however, we finally get to indulge in fun storylines – surprising young rookies, veterans with a second wind, and of course, battles for roster spots.

This week we’ll be focusing on five such battles that could determine the look and feel of the Washington Capitals: 2009-10 Edition. First up? The men between the pipes.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Bruce Boudreau recently named Jose Theodore as his starter for the upcoming season. Despite how many feel about his ability (or lack thereof) to stop the puck and despite the not-so-kind nicknames floating around for Jose, he’s still the experienced vet on the roster. He’s also making $4.5 million in the final season of a 2 year deal.

But poised just a step behind, ready to take his job away, are a handful of talented young netminders. It’s something the Caps haven’t had in a long time – goaltending depth. And while the outcome of this battle might be one of the more predictable of training camp, it’s worth exploring the tale of the tape:

Braden Holtby
19 years old
6′1″, 205 pounds

Check the Numbers
Saskatoon Blades (Regular Season) – 61 GP, 40-16-4; GAA 2.62, S% .910, 6 shutouts
Saskatoon Blades (Playoffs) – 7 GP, 3-4; GAA 2.32, S% .910

The Chosen One? – Selected by the Capitals in the 4th round (93rd overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft

What They Said
“He has unbelievable athleticism and quickness. He was able to keep his team in games and keep them competitive throughout the year. His recovery was exceptional as well as his ability to get his body in front of shots. He battled very hard and was strong. He is a flashy player, he has a very good glove hand and very quick hands and his play improved throughout the year.” Central Scouting

“Athletic goaltender had some ups and downs this season, but finished on a strong note. Outstanding natural quickness and long legs make him tough to beat down low. Has a great glove he uses to make a lot of spectacular saves. Excellent balance. Post-to-post and recovery speed are outstanding.” Red Line Report

CC Says…
Holtby’s been a bit of an unknown, with a strong performance in his first Development Camp a year ago followed by a somewhat up and down appearance at this year’s Development and Rookie Camps. He’s extremely athletic and has an impressive glove hand but needs to find consistency. At only 19, his peak as a goaltender is likely still years away.

Michal Neuvirth
21 years old
6’0”, 174 pounds

Check the Numbers
Washington (Regular Season) - 5 GP, 2-1-0; GAA 3.00, S% .892
Hershey (Regular Season) - 17 GP, 9-5-2; GAA 2.70, S% .910, 1 shutout
Hershey (Playoffs) - 22 GP, 16-6; GAA 1.92, S% .932, 4 shutouts
- MVP of Calder Cup Playoffs

The Chosen One? – Selected by the Capitals in the 2nd round (34th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft

What They Said
“Plays the butterfly style … moves well and reads the game very well … a consistent, cool goaltender under pressure … has quick reflexes … very quick feet and a good glove … a good competitor.” Central Scouting Bureau

“He is technically very sound and his work ethic is unparalleled. He is generally quiet in the net, but he has the ability to pull fans out of their seats with a great save. Moves well from side to side on the pass. Is quickly gaining a reputation for being a big-game goaltender. His improved rebound control and ability to steal games have resulted in him moving up our rankings. Good balance in both the stand-up and butterfly positions. Recovers quickly when he goes down. Stays square to the puck. The team that drafts him will have to be patient. He is a player that will need some time to develop.” International Scouting Service

CC Says…
There was a time when Varlamov was seen as the heir apparent to the Caps’ goaltending throne – but an extremely strong performance en route to the Calder Cup and a playoff MVP award has put Neuvirth right on the same path. He’s scary quick, with a glove hand that has robbed the likes of Vinny Lecavalier and the ability to move from one side of the net to the other before you can say “Neuvy”.

Semyon Varlamov
21 years old
6′1″, 183 pounds

Check the Numbers
Hershey (Regular Season) – 27 GP, 19-7-1; GAA 2.40, S% .920, 2 shutouts
Washington (Regular Season) – 6 GP, 4-0-1; GAA 2.37, S% .918
Washington (Playoffs) – 13 GP, 7-6; GAA 2.53, S% .918, 2 shutouts

The Chosen One? – Selected by the Capitals in the 1st round (23rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft

What They Said
“Has excellent reflexes … plays the butterfly … strong legs … extremely quick with his glove … a fine competitor who likes to communicate well with his defense … plays with intensity … needs to improve puckhandling outside the crease … improved a lot during the 2005-06 season.” Central Scouting Bureau

“The best Russian goaltender prospect to come along in a long time. Varlamov was outstanding at the 5 Nations Tournament in Mytischi, Russia, where he was voted best goalkeeper and was also named to the all-star team. His rebound control has steadily improved and his overall play has us convinced he has the potential to be an NHL starter at some point. Quick legs. Hands in right spot. Stays in the blue. In position before the shot is taken. He has yet to earn any professional experience in the Super League, but Varlamov has proven his worth on the international arena.” International Scouting Service

CC Says…
Varly had a rapid rise to fame when an injury to Brent Johnson and a rough first game outing by Theodore shoved him into the spotlight back in April. By the time the Caps were out of the playoffs, Varlamov had played in more playoff games than regular season NHL games. He’s aggressive, almost frighteningly so, but is able to recover quickly when out of position and has great reflexes. The one question about Varlamov is his fitness level – is he ready to endure a full season as a starter on top of the grind that goes into playoff hockey? The jury’s still out.

Decision: Varlamov. Holtby needs more conditioning in either Hershey or South Carolina, so he’s a long shot to backup Theodore anytime soon. And while Neuvirth has proved he’s an elite goaltending prospect with his work in Hershey and isn’t far away from taking the next step, he hasn’t faced the same type of competition Varlamov has – yet. Varly’s work in the playoffs, particularly the first round, was nothing short of heroic.

He’s looked very sharp at camp so far, albeit in extremely limited viewings, and appears to already be working on the little things that young goalies have to overcome. A good working relationship with new goaltending coach Arturs Irbe isn’t hurting, either.

Not quite ready to hand over that starters’ mantle just yet, but he’ll be good for at least 25-30 games this season and maybe more if needed.

Tomorrow…the battle of the Right Wingers.