Goaltending Future Update

[DatsyukownzU13 1]

I'll mention the bad before the good.

McCollum single-handedly led the U.S. out of the World Junior Championships in the first game that actually mattered (5-3 loss to Slovakia). The U.S. team can't medal at all, despite being a top 3 team in the tournament. Granted you can't judge a goalie based on a handful of games, he totally dropped the ball in some intense competition which doesn't bode well for his future.

Now the good:

Daniel Larsson is a G. In his last 3 games, he is 3-0-0 with 2 shutouts and one goal against (the one goal was scored in a game in which the other team had 41 shots on him). He has been clearly outplaying Jimmy Howard (who did post a shutout in his last game but has been pretty mediocre). Larsson is ranked 5th among goaltenders in the AHL and his stat lines is: 12-3-1, 2.29 GAA, .924 SV%, 4 Shutouts. GR is in a game right now and its tied 1-1 going into the third period (Larsson has 18 saves).

I really want Larsson to get some consideration for the backup spot next year, though I doubt they are just going to let Howard leave. But he's clearly been better in only his first season in NA.

[puckloo39 5,686]

I hear nothing but good things about Larsson. You all near/in GR would certainly have a better take on that.

As for McCollum, he's 18. I wouldn't give up just yet, as many an elite goalie matured into the role later in their career, just as some wunderkinds in goal fizzle out when the real deal is looming.

[ComradeWasabi 109]

Most of the goals McCollum let in tonight were WEAK.

[CAredwingsfan91 28]

I'll mention the bad before the good.

McCollum single-handedly led the U.S. out of the World Junior Championships in the first game that actually mattered (5-3 loss to Slovakia). The U.S. team can't medal at all, despite being a top 3 team in the tournament. Granted you can't judge a goalie based on a handful of games, he totally dropped the ball in some intense competition which doesn't bode well for his future.

Now the good:

Daniel Larsson is a G. In his last 3 games, he is 3-0-0 with 2 shutouts and one goal against (the one goal was scored in a game in which the other team had 41 shots on him). He has been clearly outplaying Jimmy Howard (who did post a shutout in his last game but has been pretty mediocre). Larsson is ranked 5th among goaltenders in the AHL and his stat lines is: 12-3-1, 2.29 GAA, .924 SV%, 4 Shutouts. GR is in a game right now and its tied 1-1 going into the third period (Larsson has 18 saves).

I really want Larsson to get some consideration for the backup spot next year, though I doubt they are just going to let Howard leave. But he's clearly been better in only his first season in NA.

the first 3 goals were all deflections off of his own players (as far as i saw) you can't say that he pretty much let team USA down, as far as the rest of the team goes they didn't really play with much passion. I think they were still hurting from that Canada game maybe his confidence was a little shot (McCollum) from that, lets keep in mind these kids are still 18 and younger. (little off topic sorry)

[Booster313 138]

Larrson is great! But I think it makes more sense for Jimmy to be the back up...that's probably all Jimmy will be good for. Larrson will be the starter when the time it right...unless McCollum sneaks up on him.

[Guest Four]

Larrson looks like he really wants that goalie position.

[Reilly 24]

Wish they had taken Markstrom. Imagine that beast in net for the Wings.

McCollum showed it this tournament he can't handle seeing less than 20 shots a game or going long stretches without seeing action. Playing for Detroit won't help him in that department. I haven't given up on him, but boy, he's got a long way to go still.

Edited January 3, 2009 by Reilly

[RWK23 0]

Wish they had taken Markstrom. Imagine that beast in net for the Wings.

McCollum showed it this tournament he can't handle seeing less than 20 shots a game or going long stretches without seeing action. Playing for Detroit won't help him in that department. I haven't given up on him, but boy, he's got a long way to go still.

He's 18. It's not like he was going to be here next season anyway, you know? Lots of time to improve.

[Reilly 24]

He's 18. It's not like he was going to be here next season anyway, you know? Lots of time to improve.

19, actually.

And he's in his 3rd year of junior hockey. Plus, Detroit already signed him. They probably hope to play him a year or two in the AHL following this season. It's not that much time to improve. The point is, he got outplayed most of this tournament, especially from the Slovak goalie who went undrafted. McCollum didn't look steady and let a lot of easy goals in. Goals, at this point in time, he should be saving with ease.

I'm not saying he should be NHL ready right now -- far from that -- but he's letting in goals that goalies at his age and experience should not let through.

Edited January 3, 2009 by Reilly

[VM1138 1,921]

Everything I've heard is that Larsson is the guy to go with a few years from now, that he's leagues better than Howard or McCollum.