Nabokov’s stats in the KHL are pretty worthless. Bigger rinks, worse defense in front of him, family issues, etc. It’s not a direct corellation to the NHL.

More on point, it’s essentially a no risk move. Both Varly and Neuvy are waiver exempt, and won’t have to pass through waivers if either are sent to Hershey. Additionally, at only $250k salary pro-rated, Nabby wouldn’t cost Leonsis much nor impact our salary cap situation enough to prevent the addition of a significant player towards the TDL.

If Nabokov struggles, make him the backup. We’re right back where we are currently with Varly or Neuvy starting most games. If he shines, we’ve upgraded. It’s a no risk move with obvious upside. Especially given that I don’t try Varly’s groin and I don’t want Holtby starting more games that necessary.

Obviously Sh% is correlated to winning since more goals = more wins. I meant in a “repeatable, controllable” sense.

IMO a decision needs to be made: Either both goalies’ health is not an issue, in which case you roll the dice OR you feel one is going to be hurt most of the time (like this season) and you need a clear, healthy #1 option via trade.

My decision to use Corsi as the barometer was to see which goalies see scoring chances against from skaters who put more “pucks in play” against, thus giving credence to the Sv%.

Also, I worry about the “eyeball test.” The QCOMP numbers for a line with Crosby & Stamkos were negative – which would cause some people to doubt the numbers.

I am experimenting with translating both QoC numbers to a scale of 1 to 10 using avg +- Stdev. Any thoughts on that – or the metric as is from anyone – is appreciated.

If Varlamov’s performance this season is for real…he’ll be winning something shiny at the end, in some tourney.

You have to remember that Nabokov was 8-8-5 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .888 save percentage with SKA. If your George McPhee you look at a player like this and immediately pass. He hasn’t been going up against NHL competition for about a half a year, and you already have two young netminders who are keeping you in every game. I’m personally satisfied with the Caps’ goaltending, but at this point, if we can pick up a veteran ‘tender at the deadline, let’s do it. Regardless of what happens, I hope Bruce eventually anoints one of these guys as the #1 towards the end of the season so we have some stability at that position come playoff time.

I defer to Neil in matters of trades. I always have the “dance with the girl that brung you” attitude.

P