Howard to start Saturday

[eva unit zero 271]

He was outplayed by Anderson last night, although I would have liked to see anyone beat Anderson last night. That kid was on fire!!

J-ho looked decent, the first goal was completely the fault of the D not getting rid of the puck. Ericsson whiffed on the puck it ended up on Stewart's stick who fed a beauty to Giliardi who roofed a backhand that Howard would have had to been out of his mind to save.

The second goal I don't think was as good of a shot as the Avs announcer did (Center Ice feed was Avs and he thought it was the best shot ever)

I though J-Ho should have had it, but all in all good performance, This team should be able to score 2 goals.

This loss is on the offense and to a larger degree Anderson.

Opie, I understand your point of view. But the fact is, Howard should have easily had both goals. And here's why:

The first goal, Stewart fed Galiardi a very good pass in front. However, while the left-handed Galiardi was in a good spot, his body was poorly positioned. While he was wide open, his poor position meant he had to accept the pass on his forehand, which left him only the option of switching to his backhand to shoot. He was stick side on Howard and within Howard's pokecheck range. See what I'm getting at?

Howard could and should have pokechecked the puck away before Galiardi even had a chance to shoot.

As for the second goal, Howard played it well except for one error. When a goaltender comes out of his net, it is to increase his area relative to the net size from the shooter's perspective; cutting down the shooter's angles and removing the available net. Howard's error was that he was not in a direct line between the puck and the goal. He was much too far to his left, opening up quite a bit of net that should have been covered. Don't quite agree with this assessment? He only just missed stopping the puck with his blocker despite being out of the net quite a bit. Stewart is a right-handed shooter and was shooting across Howard's body.

The first one is not a mistake I am aware of Howard making consistently in Grand Rapids, but the second one I have heard of in the "Needs Improvement" category on multiple scouting reports.

While Howard did have some solid stretches, overall he did looked like a below average NHL backup, at best, on Saturday. He hasn't played much better, if at all, than that at the NHL level in any of his performances.

[Opie 308]

Yes Eva if the play happened in as long as you took to type that post and analyze the play, then yes even I could make that play.

What happened was a busted play in which Ericsson had the puck in his hand went to drop it to his stick and shoot it around the boards, in an instant he whiffed, Stewart passed it to Giliardi whom was on the door step.

But yes if Howard was able to analyze the play in video he would tell you why he should have made that play.

The problem here is that Howard is not the only player in the Red Wings zone responsible for the puck.

So when Ericsson and Ralf turn the puck over inside the dots, I have a hard time scrutinizing the play of the goaltender down to the minuscule and letting the D slide.

Edited October 26, 2009 by Opie

[Dimaline312000 51]

We may have lost on Saturday but it certianly wasn't Jimmy's fault at all. I thought he played ver well and actually kept us in the game at times. Nice job Jimmy, you deserved a better outcome but it wasn't to be. Let's shake it off and get ready for Luongo and the Vancouver Canucks. Let's Go Red Wings!!

[rick zombo 3,739]

I missed the game on Saturday. Finally had a chance to watch the replays.

I was bracing myself for that 2nd Avs goal to be a totoal stinker.

BUT lo and behold, there's Lebda with his stupid stick in the way. Either deflect the damn shot , or get out of the way.

Not to rag too much on him, but he's playing terrible hockey. I can't remember the last Wings defensemen whose mistakes have so obviously accounted for so many huge goals against over such a short period of time.

Ericsson's not exactly playing lights out either, but for me, Lebda's the guy.

[eva unit zero 271]

Yes Eva if the play happened in as long as you took to type that post and analyze the play, then yes even I could make that play.

What happened was a busted play in which Ericsson had the puck in his hand went to drop it to his stick and shoot it around the boards, in an instant he whiffed, Stewart passed it to Giliardi whom was on the door step.

But yes if Howard was able to analyze the play in video he would tell you why he should have made that play.

The problem here is that Howard is not the only player in the Red Wings zone responsible for the puck.

So when Ericsson and Ralf turn the puck over inside the dots, I have a hard time scrutinizing the play of the goaltender down to the minuscule and letting the D slide.

That play did take as long as it took me to type that post. And instead of pokechecking, which Howard could have done at any point while Galiardi had the puck, instead he tries to stack the pads and flop around. Furthermore, say "If he had that much time to think."

He shouldn't need that much time to think. He should see the puck coming in and be aware of the guy on the doorstep. He should already know where the guy's stick is and know he can pokecheck the puck away. Howard so far appears to be a failed experiment. Physically, he's got the talent to be an NHL goaltender. But he just can't seem to get on that level. He either hasn't had the right kind of coaching to put his game together, or he's the kind of guy who will be Mr.Big in the minor leagues for years but always fail to hold down an NHL job because he's just not consistent enough or mentally able to handle it. If it's the former, maybe he comes around. If not, then he's not going to be in the organization anymore by next summer.

[Opie 308]

You are right and Ericsson turning over the puck was just a rookie mistake while J-ho should know better and make the play.

BLAME THE GOALIE!!!!!!!

[Z and D for the C 712]

That play did take as long as it took me to type that post. And instead of pokechecking, which Howard could have done at any point while Galiardi had the puck, instead he tries to stack the pads and flop around. Furthermore, say "If he had that much time to think."

He shouldn't need that much time to think. He should see the puck coming in and be aware of the guy on the doorstep. He should already know where the guy's stick is and know he can pokecheck the puck away. Howard so far appears to be a failed experiment. Physically, he's got the talent to be an NHL goaltender. But he just can't seem to get on that level. He either hasn't had the right kind of coaching to put his game together, or he's the kind of guy who will be Mr.Big in the minor leagues for years but always fail to hold down an NHL job because he's just not consistent enough or mentally able to handle it. If it's the former, maybe he comes around. If not, then he's not going to be in the organization anymore by next summer.

Howard is a rookie who has played 2 games this season, and 12 games over the past 4 years. For the love of god: Shut. Up.

Edited October 27, 2009 by Z and D for the C

[Drake_Marcus 890]

He was outplayed by Anderson last night, although I would have liked to see anyone beat Anderson last night. That kid was on fire!!

J-ho looked decent, the first goal was completely the fault of the D not getting rid of the puck. Ericsson whiffed on the puck it ended up on Stewart's stick who fed a beauty to Giliardi who roofed a backhand that Howard would have had to been out of his mind to save.

The second goal I don't think was as good of a shot as the Avs announcer did (Center Ice feed was Avs and he thought it was the best shot ever)

I though J-Ho should have had it, but all in all good performance, This team should be able to score 2 goals.

This loss is on the offense and to a larger degree Anderson.

Like another poster said last night, that first goal is Rafalski's fault for making such a poorly timed pass to Ericsson. He hung E out to dry with that pass. Ericsson's definitely had his share of brain farts this season, but I blame Rafalski more than him for the first goal-- a guy like Rafalski should never have made that pass.

[VM1138 1,921]

Howard LOOKED like he played well, but he really didn't. Did anyone see those massive rebounds on every single save? The kid got lucky. I would love if he developed into a Conklin-type backup, but I have a feeling he won't.

Just like the WIngs are playing well but not winning, Howard is LOOKING good but isn't really.

[Pucks 66]

I'll go out on a limb here and guess that we will lose every game this year in which we only score 1 goal. No matter who's in net.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I'll go out on a limb here and guess that we will lose every game this year in which we only score 1 goal. No matter who's in net.

That's a pretty safe prediction

[Inultus 12]

Whose fault was Colorado's 3rd goal? That might be Howard's fault as well.

C'mon, Bert hit a post just before they scored the second goal. If he had buried it, that second goal doesn't happen.

[Dimaline312000 51]

I thought Jimmy was the best player on the ice for the Wings on Saturday.

[Opie 308]

I find it hilarious that Murph just said the opposite of all of you naysayers.

AHAHAHHA that is funny!

[Opie 308]

Any new thoughts after last night?

Some incredible saves at the end.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Any new thoughts after last night?

Some incredible saves at the end.

I think he's got a long way to go, but the team seemed more confident in front of Howard. Might be the new-car goalie smell, but if he can give them the room for say, Datsyuk to wake up and score again -- let the boy play until he shows he can't hack it. Then put Ozzie back in.

[RedFX 48]

I'll go out on a limb here and guess that we will lose every game this year in which we only score 1 goal. No matter who's in net.

As the great Dave Lewis once said, "The team who scores more goals usually wins the game"

[Esquire 324]

I think Howard got a HUGE helping hand from his teammates last night and some of his rebound control was ridiculous. The fact that we scored 5 goals on Luongo is a massive feat for this years edition on the Wings and should NOT be relied on in future games. This was an exception, NOT the rule.

That being said, a win is a win and its always a bigger deal with younger players in regards to their self-confidence. It was fantastic to see the team rally after each goal when it would have been easy to just say "here we go again". Great game, great result.

GO WINGS!!!

[Opie 308]

I think the team got a HUGE helping hand from J-ho's little toe.

[Dimaline312000 51]

This is Howards first Full Season in the NHL and it's just starting so give him some time. He will develop and as he gets better he'll have better rebound control. Just give him some time.

[Opie 308]

the thing that I find ok about his rebounds (note I didn't say reassuring) is that they are sort of in the right direction it looks like he is trying to kick them wide but they all seem to end up somewhere near a dot! Not good!

[ltgator333 3]

Well he won the game and gave up 2 goals in 52:50 of play. I think you could argue his fundamentals all day long but I also think he gave his team a chance to win, and that's ok with me. Had he started the game, I don't think Vancouver would've had 4 goals.

I'm going to just come out and say that I think there's a chance this guy could be a competent NHL goalie in the future, and his flaws are things that can, with the proper coaching, be minimized. It's there, it could happen, we'll have to see. And considering how long it's been since Detroit has had a young goaltender with a hint of talent (Det. draft pick) I'm pulling for him.

[chrisdetroit 189]

I think Howard got a HUGE helping hand from his teammates last night and some of his rebound control was ridiculous. The fact that we scored 5 goals on Luongo is a massive feat for this years edition on the Wings and should NOT be relied on in future games. This was an exception, NOT the rule.

That being said, a win is a win and its always a bigger deal with younger players in regards to their self-confidence. It was fantastic to see the team rally after each goal when it would have been easy to just say "here we go again". Great game, great result.

GO WINGS!!!

Oh for Christ's sake. Can you be a little more defensively pessimistic. Dats scored 2 of the 5 goals, Homer got 1, Kronwall got 1 and Williams got 1. Are you saying that these guys can't be counted on to score and that this is an abberition?

Yea, right. You shouldn't count on Dats, Homer and Kronwall to score because we lost Sammy and Hossa. This makes ZERO sense.

[lomekian 201]

Thought he has looked incrementally better in each game so far. Not stellar by any means, and his rebound control is a concern, but his positioning seems sound on the whole, and his lateral movement's pretty good. Last night and against the AVs he made one or two very good saves in high pressure situations. 3 of the 4 goals he conceded in those two where on the PP, and the result of good puck movement or poor coverage. At this stage I am fairly happy with him as a backup...the question is whether he's good enough ato share the workload as much as Ozzie needs him too, for Ozzie who is clearly a playoff starter, but mediocre in the reg season....

[vOrophin 5]

The thing I like most about Howard is that he seems to be improving. The only goals Howard allowed were on the PP, and although he did give up some big rebounds he was able to do the most important thing: keep the puck out of the goal. I was one of the ones thinking we might need a replacement fairly early in the season but I think Howard is showing some potential. Lets hope he can keep it up, and hope Osgood gets a fire lit under him by being outplayed by the rookie (almost rookie? what exactly is Howard considered now?).