Florida Panthers deep in net with Theodore, Clemmensen and Markstrom

A decision has to be made whether to re-sign Clemmensen or leave goaltending chores to Theodore and rookie Markstrom

CORAL SPRINGS— When the Panthers broke training camp in October most NHL analysts picked them to repeat as bottomfeeders of the Eastern Conference partly because they would be depending on veteran goalie Jose Theodore coming off a shaky season and backup Scott Clemmensen instead of a consistent Tomas Vokoun.

Well, six months later Theodore, Clemmensen and projected goalie of the future Jacob Markstrom silenced those detractors as the Panthers rode their goaltending to their first division championship while snapping their NHL-record 10-season playoff drought.

New Jersey Devils And while Vokoun, 35, who chose to sign a one-year deal with the Capitals, had his customary solid (2.51 goals-against-average) season, he's missed Washington's entire playoff run to the conference semifinals since tearing a groin muscle in March.

"We had doubters this season, we couldn't make the playoffs or that goaltending would be an issue,'' Theodore said after the first-round, seven-game playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils.

"I was aware of those comments. It was just extra motivation to prove everybody wrong. … Since the first game I was consistent and proved maybe some of the critics wrong, but it's really what we accomplished as a team that's really positive for the future.''

What exactly is the future for Theodore, who will be 36 in the final year of his $1.5 million deal, or Clemmensen, an impending free agent who turns 35 in July? An oft-injured Markstrom has played in eight NHL games?

Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon, who's hoping to add goal-scoring pieces to his 27th-ranked offense this offseason, doesn't seem overly concerned with his goaltending or defense, two of the team's strong suits. The Panthers allowed just 2.63 goals per game, 12th in the NHL.

"I've got nothing but admiration for [Clemmensen],'' Tallon said. "You never have enough depth in goal, so we'll continue conversations with him.

"[Markstrom's] knee has been fixed and he's really carried San Antonio into the playoffs and got them in the second round. He's been outstanding and I have no doubt he will be a tremendous goaltender in this league.

"He's our goaltender of the future, no doubt.''

Theodore, who was 15-11-3 in Minnesota where he couldn't unseat Niklas Backstrom as the starter, bounced back with a 22-16-11 season. His 2.46 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage were ranked 14th and 10th among goalies who played 50 or more games.

"As long as I play the way I can, get the job done, I want to stay as long as I can,'' Theodore said. "When you're in net you learn that everybody's breathing down your neck.

"Whether it's Clemmer or Marky … whoever it is, I'm there to be a good teammate.''

Clemmensen was 14-6-6 with a 2.57 GAA and .913 save percentage. Both goalies fared well in the playoffs with Clemmensen notching his first postseason win and start (1-2-1, 2.35 GAA), while Theodore pitched the second shutout of his postseason career (2-2-1, 2.46 GAA).

The 6-foot-5 Markstrom, 22, who has had two knee surgeries in his first two pro seasons, was 2-4-1 with a 2.66 GAA and .923 save percentage while filling in for Theodore and Clemmensen. He's 4-1 with a 3.08 GAA in the AHL playoffs, after going 17-12-1 with a 2.32 GAA in the regular season.

Clemmensen missed the first month of the season while recuperating from minor knee surgery. Theodore was 8-8-7 in the second half while dealing with knee and groin issues that he says will need rehabilitation, but no surgery this summer.

The Panthers could re-sign Clemmensen for one more season so Markstrom could take over as the starter in 2013-14, rather than sit behind Theodore next season.

"I love being here and I love playing for this team,'' Clemmensen said. "It would be great if we could extend it further. If not, then we'll go where the path leads.''


Nagyon remélem, hogy Clemmy marad!