Budaj becoming Colorado's No 1

 

 

Stephine Chavez (HV)

 

For the past 11 games, the Avs have started Peter Budaj in goal instead of Jose Theodore and it has been a huge success for the team. It seems the fans really like Budaj's play and his teammates are equally impressed. The question has been asked many times in the dressing room, "is Peter Budaj the number one goaltender?" At this point nobody has made it official but it sure seems like he has claimed this spot after his 11th consecutive start. Skrastins enjoys playing with Budaj and thinks highly of him. "He plays really well. He has a chance to show he's a good goaltender and has been doing so."

Budaj is "very happy, very thankful and very proud" of starting the past 11 games. He says he knows though that one day he can be in and the next day he could be out so he continues to work hard and play his best. Budaj has been selected to the Young Stars team to be played this week in Dallas, Texas. He says, "I am very excited and proud." Budaj's father has been in Denver the past two weeks and has been a huge support of his son. He will travel with him to Dallas to watch his last live game before he heads back to Slovakia. "I am very happy for my dad to see me play," Budaj says. "I am very thankful for everything- for my health and being able to do what I always dreamed of." says Budaj when asked how he feels to be in his 2nd year in the NHL starting in goal at the moment. This is Budaj's 15th win tonight (Jan. 20, 2007) which is more wins than he had the entire last season. He is very excited and hopes many more to come. "We have to come back after the break and keep winning," Budaj states, "especially with the division being so close."

 

Photo: Peter Budaj © Stephine Chavez (HV)