You can't hate on Pickard, but it's difficult to see people turn on Varly so easily. Pickard played well, but let's not act like Pickard has done anything for this franchise like Varly has.
To not want Varly back in net is short sighted IMO.
Varly is clearly not mentally on his game. Ever since the court stuff he has looked weak in net and his compete level is just not where it has been most of his time in Denver.
Could be it is injury related...but it just looks like it is in his head. The goals he gave up in the outdoor game and in the Minny game were just not the normal type of goals Varly gives up. Granted, some were a bit fluky and he was left out to dry at times....but he is better than that.
So, given the Avs are in the middle of a playoff race in which management bet a small risk on at the trade deadline, Pickard should continue to start until he shows he cannot do the job. For the record, Varly is the guy I want starting and he deserves it.....but the fact of the matter is until he gets his head on properly again, or I guess heals if he is injured, it is best for the Avs if he is on the bench.
I have no doubt he will recover from it....so even if Pickard has a solid stretch run into the playoffs, I am totally OK with the Avs exploring trading Picks over the summer -- just purely based on a solid season/playoff run driving his value through the roof...but in the now Pickard needs to start. (For the record, you only trade Pickard if someone is willing to vastly overpay in the summer, better to hold onto him of course if the deal is not perfect)
