Olie Kolzig

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 38                  Contract: UFA

'07-08 Season Report

Kolzig's career in Washington did not end the way he or anyone else envisioned it would. But he has noone to blame but himself. Kolzig has maintained he "never was a save percentage guy. For me, it was all about wins." Doesn't he realize that if his save percentage was higher, he'd have more wins? I'm guessing "Kolzig" doesn't mean "common sense" in German.

That aside, his numbers were bordering on atrocious (at least in this day and age.) Twenty years ago, he'd have been a Vezina candidate but not in this decade. Where his replacement Cristobal Huet finished the regular season with the 6th best save percentage in the league, Kolzig was 41st. That's 4th worst for those keeping score at home. 

But Olie says he's a "wins guy". Well, only one goalie played as many games as Kolzig did while registering fewer wins, Pascal Leclaire. However, Leclaire also had 4 fewer losses (including OT losses) and played for the team that scored the fewest goals in the entire league. Victim of "foot in mouth disease"? I'll say so.

Regardless, Kolzig leaves as the team's all time winningest netminder and reached his milestone 300th win late in the season. Only 22 others in NHL history can lay claim to that feat. 

Intangibles

Kolzig has always been fiery and the way he went about leaving the team is not all that surprising, though it is most certainly disappointing. But the distraction will be gone come next season and the team can focus on the task at hand rather than trying to dance softly around the big fella.

Future Fit

Whatever Kolzig's future holds, he says it won't be here in Washington. But until July 1st, he's still a Capital. His Maryland home is up for sale, so that's a pretty clear sign that he's not just mincing words. Of course his departure paves the way for a new contract for Cristobal Huet, but the pen has not hit paper as of yet.

Kolzig may be willing to sign with a team where he will have a chance to play at a minimum 30-35 games, but if that is not promised him, there is a possibility he will retire. I personally would prefer the latter scenario so he can remain a "Capital for life" and I look forward to the day Number 37 reaches the rafters.