Boudreau has seen enough hockey over the years to know one brilliant spring isn’t guaranteed to carry over into the following season — even for a 21-year-old who looks like the organization’s goalie of the future.

“[Theodore] is there, but he has these young kids breathing down his neck,” Boudreau said.

Kids? Yes, he used the plural. That’s because Varlamov isn’t the only talented young goalie in training camp. Michal Neuvirth is also just 21. And last season he led the team’s minor-league affiliate, the Hershey Bears, to an AHL championship. So Theodore, the 33-year-old veteran who spent his formative years under an intense microscope with his hometown Montreal Canadiens, is still in a fight for his job. Because while he entered camp the No. 1, according to Boudreau, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will leave it that way.

“There’s always somebody pushing you, and this year there’s going to be two young guys that want to be in the NHL,” Theodore said. “I know I can’t let down. I’ve got to be consistent and I have to play well because they’re going to be ready.”

Boudreau hasn’t revealed exactly how playing time will be dispersed during the Caps’ six preseason games, starting on Thursday night in Buffalo against the Sabres. But expect all three goalies to at least get solid playing time in two games each.

“That’s the way it goes with every position in training camp,” said Caps general manager George McPhee. “Young guys are here trying to take somebody’s job. And it’s not easy, but that’s what they’re here for.”

bmcnally@washingtonexaminer.com