I'm sure many Avalanche fans disagree with the signing of Andrew Raycroft to a one-year deal, but I, on the other hand, believe this could be a blessing in disguise.
Andrew Raycroft just came off his worst season in the NHL and is looking to redeem himself in a new country. He's moved from one of the most hostile cities in hockey to a slightly more relaxed environment. This should allow him to play his game better and more effectively.
The Colorado Avalanche are known for making goalies who were struggling into superstars once more. Some of the names they brought back to the top are Patrick Roy and Jose Thedore.
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Many people forget that Patrick Roy struggled in his last season with Montreal, and did not become better until he played in Colorado. And with Colorado, he became one of the best, if not the best, goalies of all-time.
More recently, Jose Thedore was also traded to Colorado from Montreal after struggling for a season. It took him a little longer, but with Colorado behind him he returned to the solid No. 1 goalie he once was. He then began to put up solid numbers, which allowed him to leave Colorado and become a starting netminder elsewhere.
With the success Colorado has had rejuvenating goalies, there is a good chance this will be the beginning of the Raycroft era in Colorado. If they are able to make him the solid No. 1 goalie they need, then he will receive the money and glory that Colorado Avalanche goalies receive.
And, due to this, I believe this could be one of the more underrated signings that helps the team the most.
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about 1 month ago
i hope your right, razor didn't deserve the treatment he got in TO. and they say philly fans are harsh. i bet leafs fans would boo santa if he was on the team.
about 1 month ago
With the pressure off, Raycroft just might have a solid season...wish Andrew all the best, solid guy, just couldnt handle the microscope he was under in Toronto!
toSPORTS.ca
about 1 month ago
Raycroft has exactly 1 good year, and that was his rookie season in Boston. After the lockout, he was horrendous in Boston before John Ferguson Jr shipped of prospect Tukka Rask back to Boston. Raycroft is not beyond help, and may develop into a compitent #1 goaltender, but he still has critical fundemental flaws. Any shooter he faces is going to go glove-side since Raycroft has exhibited throughout his career a slow glove. Look at highlight reels of Raycroft getting scored on, almost all of them are high glove. Yes, Raycroft did not fare well under the scrutiny of the Toronto media. Some players just don't handle that kind of pressure well. And Razor was "breaking" a line of experienced, veteran, bonafide #1 goaltenders, from Curtis Joseph to Ed Belfour. Raycroft could never live up to those ideals!
about 1 month ago
Why so many hate raycroft?its not his fault the leafs have the laughing stock management in nhl,who's worse?all these moves fletcher has done would be great if he was gm of marlies...
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