Echolalia

This was definitely not the game to sit out on. We lost but it definitely had everything.

I'm ready to take Z off the shootout. He's always had poor numbers.

Given the loss there's still a lot to feel good about. Our top players were our top players today. Lidstrom looked more confident, Dats was all over the place (Jesus Christ on that shootout attempt), Z is looking better and better, Bert is still exceeding expectations. In addition to that the role players were phenomenal today. Eaves especially. This is the first time this year that I think the Wings played to their full potential, and this type of game gives me hope that we'll really be dangerous once we get healthy. Also, we got 2 out of 4 points this weekend, and given the opposition I'm pretty content.

What I'm pissed about is the fact that when it comes to goals, its like the refs are going out of their way to make sure anything questionable goes against us.

I don't know, the last replay that FSN showed of the reverse angle looked pretty conclusive that it wasn't in the net. From that angle I think you could see all the way to the puck until Jimmy covers it, but they only showed it once and not in slow-mo.

I thought Chicago was supposed to play later in the day? Was it moved up or am I just delusional?

It softens the blow a bit but I'd rather have Grandy for sentimental reasons...

Jeez I never realized how on top of Roy the entire line was at that moment. Shanny right there, Fedorov ready to bat it in if Shanny screws up. Yzerman prowling in the back. Talk about rebound control.

It appears how many games were played is a crucial component to Vezina voting.

Updated, and back into the top 5 in sv% and GAA

How much is Carman bringing in these days?

Quick question: does Abby have any minor league options next year or is he required to be in the NHL?

Actually I think its possible to have both Lids and Kovy under the cap for respectable amounts, at least it was last time I checked. That is unless Kovy really is asking 12M or some ridiculous number. By respectable I mean around 7M.

Not to discredit either side of the goalie debate, as both sides have put forward some tremendous arguments but it truly is amazing that LGW has a goalie debate when they have a goalie who is top 5 in GAA and save % league wide. I think the most interesting stat, however, is the fact that since the end of October, all the Wings losses with Jimmy in net our offense has scored one or fewer goals, with one single exception.

I'm willing to let some other team fork over their future for a couple months of power-housedom, and we can swoop in during the offseason if he's really interested in playing for the Wings.

Definitely. The first thing that came out of my mouth after that goal was "damn rebound control". Anyway, I have to temper my frustration because he has played in less than 40 NHL games his career so there's bound to be some issues. I just hope his progress continues to improve as we near the end of the season.

haha

All things considered I enjoyed Janik's time up here.

Updated. The tough game in NY dropped Jimmy down to 7th in GAA, and 4th in save%.

Sign up for the April in the D contest. Last year was abysmal.

Its that kind of response that elicits a 6-0 hammering

Pretty quick way to die is more like it.

Not to take anything away from Howard, but right now he still relies pretty heavily on the defensmen in front of him to clear away rebounds and prevent second chances from hitting the net. I suppose this could be looked at as both good and bad in terms of the playoffs. Its good in that Jimmy will still just need to play positional style goaltending, and the experienced defensmen in front of him can (continue to) help with the transition. It is bad in that it pushes more responsibility onto the defensmen, and the playoffs have much more crashing the net than the regular season. Ultimately, I think if Jimmy can learn to swallow pucks and not let the rebounds get away from him, he'll continue to be successful in the postseason. However if he continues to let the pucks escape him, he may be burying the defensmen too deep to bail him out.

Anyone have a video of the calls in question?

Thats why Howard started