Andrew Raycroft made his home debut in Colorado last night and showed the Avalanche faithful what we in Toronto, and even folks in Boston, already know: he sucks.
My advice to fans of the Avalanche? Get used to it. Raycroft is the definition of awful, atrocious, pathetic goaltending. While my heart does go out to Colorado supporters, I can't help but feel an overarching sense of joy that Raycrap no longer calls Toronto home.
I know it's only pre-season action, but Raycroft looked in mid-season form last night, allowing six goals on only 23 shots to the Chicago Blackhawks. That's a 0.739 save percentage, my friends. That is brutal. Raycroft's expectations in Colorado might just be lower than Sarah Palin's. Yes, he's that bad.
I still don't understand what the hell management in Colorado was thinking when they signed Raycroft to a one year deal worth $800,000. He's an impostor. He's certainly no goalie. A goalie is supposed to stop pucks. It's part of the fucking job description! Raycrap fooled the Bruins, he most certainly fooled Toronto, and he was one of the major reasons former Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. lost his job (actually, I probably owe Raycrap some props for that).
All that being said, only one thing is clear: they've got some pretty solid drugs down in the Denver area. It's the only explanation I can come up with as to why Raycroft still has a job in the NHL. He shouldn't. His signing, even though it was only worth $800 K, was arguably the worst in hockey history. Yes, worse than the Jeff Finger contract. Way worse.
You know, I honestly don't know why I get joy out of seeing Raycrap struggle.
I just do.
6 comments:
Since it's election season pretty much everywhere, I'll go with this:
I don't take any pleasure from seeing a professional athlete like Raycroft put-up sub-par numbers. In looking at that .739 save percentage I am pleased that my assessment of his abilities was accurate and that he no longer plays for the Leafs.
Here's a question for you: what's the over under before the Avalanche waive him? 10 games?
You're a much more diplomatic man than I am, Mr. Forbes.
I'm going to go with 20 games re: Raycroft getting waived. Definitely Budaj is the number one guy down there and Colorado saw how well Raycroft did at sitting on the bench last year, so maybe they'll keep him around.
All I know is that the west is best when it comes to the NHL, and Raycroft doesn't have a prayer in that tough division.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to seeing him "prove himself"...to be the reincarnation of Jim Carrey.
Throwing $800,000 for Raycroft wasn't the worst idea in the world. Look at his numbers from his 03/04 season.
29-18-9, 2.05GA, .926SV%
Maybe the Avalanche were thinking this kid couldn't handle the pressure and spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto. Now he's over in Colorado, which has a winning organization, and having the likes of Sakic, Smyth, and Foote, he might have a chance to turn things around.
$800,000 isn't a huge investment since it is for only one year. If he does go back to his 03/04 season that $800grand will seem like a deal.
fantasybaseballmacbookpro - certainly an optimistic outlook.
Have you seen this: http://www.dobberhockey.com/content/view/1366/1/
Interesting stuff...
@ Fantasy: Like MF said, you have quite the optimistic outlook. Nothing Raycroft has done over the off-season or in camp has shown me that he's ready to bounce back to his 03/04 season numbers. It's beginning to look more and more like that season was an aberration.
While I do think some of his shitty play can be attributed to playing in the spotlight in Toronto, when it comes down to straight fundamentals, he's just not a good goalie, and the book's out on him. My mom doesn't know much about hockey, but I can guarantee you that if I tell her she's going in on a breakaway with Raycroft 1x1, she's shooting high glove side.
My point is that the money doesn't matter. Even if it does look like a good deal on paper, it's not a good deal in reality. Raycroft is shit. I want him to prove me wrong, and I'm overly confident that he won't be able to.
@ MF: Thanks a lot man, that link is incredible. Really goes to show just how far Raycroft has fallen. You'd think in camp with a new team his body language would be better and he'd be busting his hump.
I wrote the guy off after he was pulled in that Leafs/Habs game 2 years ago, with the playoffs on the line. When the season ended, and we were out thanks to the fucking Devils who decided to rest Brodeur, Raycroft still had the audacity to say that he was happy with his season and happy with his play. He is bat shit crazy.
My Fav tid bit about Raycroft after a losing game this is what he said " I think i played well tonight, tomorrow it's jsut a another game, we will be back at it tomorrow" YEAH way to be happy with youself you human swiss cheese
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