clutchngrab

I don't want to turn this into an Osgood debate, but in my opinion Osgood played well but did not dominate. I don't buy that a horrible regular season goaltender turned into a "great" playoff goaltender. I think he finally got his head out of his ass and played on par with the adequate goaltending the OP postulated. As far as Howard goes, I have this theory about hot goaltenders. Generally, on any given year you can pretty clearly pick the best 1/2 dozen or so goaltenders in the league. Those 6 or so can be vets or younger guys, but are clearly positive factors on any given night. Usually, those goaltenders keep that level of play going into the playoffs. (Nevermind that they may tank the next year). Anyhow Jimmy is in the elite this year, and is playing with confidence right now. In front of the red wings, I think that could mean a lot.

All the goalies you mentioned were good and or great, but not necessarily dominant while wearing the winged wheel. This is the first year I can remember where I feel our goaltending can be a legitimate part of winning a series and can match up with the Bryzkolov's, Luongos, etc. I'm expecting a deep run and it will be partially on the back of Jimmie Howard - mark my words.

Possible - but the same argument can be applied to the wings yotes series.

If we are talking unexpected then there is the major positive which is, of course, JH. On the dark side, I expected more from Leino and to a lesser extent - Erikkson. Besides the injuries, nothing else surprised me - especially as the season unfolded. Lots of guys had forgettable first halfs. I was hoping for a bit more out of Abby, but that was offset by Bert. Williams has turned out to be exactly the same player that was shipped out the first time. Helmer is progrressing nicely. Eaves and Miller - nice surprises to offset the aging Maltby and Draper. I suppose another surprise is Homer - but that's been mentioned. Osgood played to my expectations. lol.

Agreed, plus the Phoenix style of game is tough for the wings. Give me Vancouver w/ a spotty Luongo instead.

I've been a proponent of Ericsson's upside all along, but I have to admit to having doubts after tonights game. I thought he had settled down being paired with Lilja, but WTF? Tonight was a major step backwards. If I'm Babs I have serious decision as to who my #6 is.

Not sure what game you watched, but every time E touched the puck it was like a hand grenade. Absolutely brutal tonight.

Hopefully Osgood makes this easier for everyone and bows out. I really don't think Babcock will use him anymore, and unless Holland intervenes my money is on him getting waived if he doesn't retire.

His role is to skate around and not really do anything, but look damn good at it.

I think this is one of Hollands dumbest deals. "On March 11, 2008, Cleary signed a 5 year contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings, worth $14 million.". On the other hand there is this: "In the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs on May 14, 2009, Cleary scored the tie breaking, semi-final series winning goal for the Detroit Red Wings against the Anaheim Ducks with 3 minutes left in Game 7. With the win the Detroit Red Wings moved on to face the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Final. Cleary scored 5 goals against his former team in a 4-1 series win clinching the Western Conference title....." Yet this year he has 13 goals and 16 assists all while being in the top 6 rotation for the whole year. Not enough Danny boy, not enough.

This is just to keep Howard from getting injured - nothing more nothing less. Why expose you starting goalie when you don't need to?

Could you google and photo-shop slapies take a break? Thanks.

lol. Jackman is the best defenseman in the NHL after the whistle. Too bad he is one of the worse when the puck is in play.

this Not just that, but 2nd star of the month overall. That's gonna help for Calder. I think he had a couple of weak games right after the break, but from early March on he has been pretty great.

Yes. No. Yes.

Yeah OK. That would work out really well I'm sure. Dare I dig up all the posts where you bitched about how bad our defense was this year? Fortunately for you I am lazy, but I will say this - you are like a willow in the breeze my friend. Another willow in the breeze - just moving in a different direction than mindfly. That's OK Doc, there's plenty of room now on the Howard bus - especially since you photo shop so well.

No way. The deal would have to much sweeter for Calgary.

In the cap era Holland can't take guys like Iginla at 6 or 7 mil without ******* up the rest of the team. End of story.

I think Mike will go with what he has. Though probably with a quick trigger to get Abby in if he feels guys are not performing. If he thinks we are missing offense, the obvious choice is to sit Draper. Given the inconsistent nature of Williams, Cleary and Draper, my guess is that he will play at some point.

No, that's a spouse who knows financial potential.

"So how mentally tough are you? How hard are you willing to train? How hard do you want to battle? How do you let water run off the duck's back kind of thing when it doesn't go good? To me, he's shown real good signs. I like the way he's played. He's given our team confidence. He looks like a real goalie to me, so I'm real comfortable. I think this is as good as [we've been in net] since I've been here." I would agree Mike.

god if Draper could play hockey that line would score for sure.

I suppose you could try to make a constitutional case out of the 14th amendment, but you wouldn't get very far.

I generally don't take the side of over paid and over privileged athletes, but that tax is pretty ridiculous.

Yes. Its time to devote our attention to how much Cleary sucks.