GROwl 5 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 It continues to surprise me how much Ville Leino's been playing in front of the net in Detroit (ala Homer)...and how well he is doing at it. Not only is he screening the goalie, but he's also making some pretty good offensive plays. I don't think the opposition is even aware of the threat - last night's goal is proof. With Homer and even Cleary, the goalies and defense are constantly hacking and whacking. Leino's left alone (relatively!) and scores. Why did he never work the crease in GR? For that reason, why doesn't any of the Griffins play that role? We need a Homer-in-training. I would think that would be an ideal role for one of the less puck-skilled but bigger bodies. Maybe someone with less skating ability, but quick hands to jam at the puck or lift it top shelf when the goalie is down. GR replicates a lot of the Wings' style of play, why not this piece? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 (edited) It continues to surprise me how much Ville Leino's been playing in front of the net in Detroit (ala Homer)...and how well he is doing at it. Not only is he screening the goalie, but he's also making some pretty good offensive plays. I don't think the opposition is even aware of the threat - last night's goal is proof. With Homer and even Cleary, the goalies and defense are constantly hacking and whacking. Leino's left alone (relatively!) and scores. Why did he never work the crease in GR? For that reason, why doesn't any of the Griffins play that role? We need a Homer-in-training. I would think that would be an ideal role for one of the less puck-skilled but bigger bodies. Maybe someone with less skating ability, but quick hands to jam at the puck or lift it top shelf when the goalie is down. GR replicates a lot of the Wings' style of play, why not this piece? GROwl, you bring up a great topic. One that I often ponder. I do believe that Homer is a key part of the Red Wings' sucess over the years. I too would like someone to really show me they have a little "Homer" in them. It would be very appealing to see a prospect show those type of skills, or at least "home" in on them. As much as it pains me to say this, I can not watch the Griffins, and therefore I am not sure who might best fit this role. Does anyone else?? Edited February 13, 2009 by rage Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coyote0106 2 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 I'm with you guys. I've sat there and wondered why noone would go to the front of the net. I remember Barnes(and to some extent even Bootland) would sit there all day long. Abdelkader is good at deflections, but I don't know if he's the one I would chose for that type of job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GROwl 5 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 Justin is the only one of the current Griffin forwards big (solid) enough - the others would go flying across the ice if the defense or goalie shoved them hard. I actually think it could be a really good fit for Justin - and maybe get him to the NHL faster. Homer has had success at the role - yet as he's aged, he's getting injured (back pain/groin) more frequently. Its an untapped opportunity for the right guy. Of course, Ryan O would give it a shot if asked. It'll be better if he muscled up a bit more first though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doc Holiday 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 The fact he is willing to go in front of the net shows that he really wants to play on this team. I was watching him last night and he made a great tip that just went wide of the net. He needs to be on this roster on a regular basis. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coyote0106 2 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 Of course, Ryan O would give it a shot if asked. It'll be better if he muscled up a bit more first though. That might be the only way Oulahen or Tardiff would have a shot in the NHL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted February 13, 2009 That might be the only way Oulahen or Tardiff would have a shot in the NHL. And there is nothing wrong with that. Look at Homer now, playing on the top line for the Cup Champs. I am not saying those guys could do that, I am just saying...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
