Enough Jimmy Howard Bashing

[mmamolo 287]

I think that it's time many on this forum give Jimmy Howard the respect that he deserves to this point in the season. Obviously no one expected Howard to come in and be an elite goaltender but I don't think he has played nearly as bad as many expected and are making it out to be. He had his tough games for sure, like against Edmonton way back, but he has played extremely well as of late (especially during Osgood's absence) and I think he deserves some credit. A lot of ppl on this board were ready to throw in the towel on Howard's time in Detroit just a hand full of games into the season and now he is clearly outplaying Chris Osgood. Just check out the stats:

Player Team GP GS W L OT SA GA GAA Sv Sv% SO G A PIM TOI
1 Jimmy Howard DET 15 13 8 5 1 410 37 2.55 373 .910 0 0 1 0 869:30
2 Chris Osgood DET 16 16 6 5 4 395 41 2.75 354 .896 1 0 0 0 894:04



A 2.55 GAA with a .910 Save Percentage are strong numbers not to mention he has 8 of our 14 wins. Even though I dont necessarily think Jimmy Howard will turn into a Vezina quality goaltender I think he is showing that he very well could have a good future in Detroit. Edited December 7, 2009 by mmamolo

[Guest Lidstromboli]

i noticed yesterday that he was holding onto the pucks pretty tight. seems to be trying to work on the rebound problem

[dat's sick 1,002]

I think the bashing stopped a while ago.. but you're right he has exceeded expectations so far. I'm still holding off judgement to see if he can keep this up, but I'm definitely going to eat crow if he continues like this.

[Echolalia 2,961]

22nd in league for save percentage

16th in league for goals allowed average

Not all-star material just yet, but it certainly isn't bad considering this is his first full year in the NHL and the support in front of him has left much to be desired.

[cupforwings 138]

yeah, i think there were already 2 different threads on this... but Jimmy is awesome and has showed he belongs in the NHL

[hooon 1,089]

I haven't seen much bashing, mostly praise. He is doing slightly better than I expected him to, and he is right about where I realistically wanted him to be.

He still needs work on his positioning and his ability to control rebounds. There was also that awful game the other night where he let in a ton of softies, mostly from his own players.

Again, I haven't seen much Jimmy bashing lately, but comparing him to Osgood is moot at this point because I don't think ANYone here has been praising Osgood for his play.

Edited December 7, 2009 by hooon

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Jimmy Howard smells like Fritos.

[Carman 387]

Yeah I'm supporting Howard now.

But if only we could trade Osgood for anything. I'll take a roll of tape for Osgood, man he sucks.

[Rice 42]

People only bash Howard when the Wings lose.

[mmamolo 287]

22nd in league for save percentage

16th in league for goals allowed average

Not all-star material just yet, but it certainly isn't bad considering this is his first full year in the NHL and the support in front of him has left much to be desired.

Obviously the bashing has subsided a little but it was mostly in reference to the thread about how the Wings should spend some cash this offseason and ppl wanting to get rid of Howard. I think his numbers say a lot about how far he has come. Even that game the other night with the two own goals, of course we all would have liked to see him come up with those but they weren't exactly terible goals either. Deflections suck but it happens. Regardless, the Wings played like absolute crap in front of him.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I actually think that Howard may be a Vezina candidate at some point in his career.

[Casey 145]

I actually think that Howard may be a Vezina candidate at some point in his career.

Strong words. Detroit hasn't had a Vezina winner since Terry Sawchuk, '54-'55.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Strong words. Detroit hasn't had a Vezina winner since Terry Sawchuk, '54-'55.

Good job I didn't say winner then, eh?

[NGKEIB 32]

Strong words. Detroit hasn't had a Vezina winner since Terry Sawchuk, '54-'55.

That depends on which way you look at things. Hasek was a Vezina winner who played in Detroit.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

i wasn't big on howard before this season, but he's stepped up and shown he belongs. i've been more than satisfied with his play thus far. let's hope he keeps it up. as for the vezina talk. i hope that's a joke. that's even more ridiculous than eva saying fischer would have been a multiple norris winner had his career continued.

i have seen nothing in his play to indicate him vying for future vezinas.

[Z and D for the C 712]

22nd in league for save percentage

16th in league for goals allowed average

Not all-star material just yet, but it certainly isn't bad considering this is his first full year in the NHL and the support in front of him has left much to be desired.

Awesome numbers for a backup.

[PaulinMiamiBeach 0]

Yeah I'm supporting Howard now.

But if only we could trade Osgood for anything. I'll take a roll of tape for Osgood, man he sucks.

I'll send you a roll of tape if you'll use it to tape your hands together so you can't type any more.

[FinWing 26]

Strong words. Detroit hasn't had a Vezina winner since Terry Sawchuk, '54-'55.

So it's about time then.

[hillbillywingsfan 794]

I think when he stops playing so inconsistent then most will stop.

[rick zombo 3,739]

i wasn't big on howard before this season, but he's stepped up and shown he belongs. i've been more than satisfied with his play thus far. let's hope he keeps it up. as for the vezina talk. i hope that's a joke. that's even more ridiculous than eva saying fischer would have been a multiple norris winner had his career continued.

i have seen nothing in his play to indicate him vying for future vezinas.

How about mental toughness? Positioning? Agility?

To be honest, rebound control is the only major technical problem he has right now, and even that's improving. Of course, he also needs to find some consistency.

He's been great. In three or four years he could be lights out.

Also, I'm sure a lot of Sharls fans felt the same way about Kipprusoff's abilities before he got shipped off to Calgary for a 2nd round pick. For the record, he was 5 - 14 in his final season with the Sharks with a terrible GAA (3.25) ans SV%(.879). He was a 5th round pick.

[brett 1,029]

Awesome numbers for a backup.

anyone remember 07-08 season. osgood as backup wins cup

[Guest Lidstromboli]

nobody remembers that

[Doc Holiday 0]

anyone remember 07-08 season. osgood as backup wins cup

I also remember when people were saying the same thing about Conklin.

Howard is playing like a great backup for the team, but lets not get carried away with it. Howard will not be starting in the playoffs (provided Osgood doesn't have a serious injury or horrible falling out) and he will not be some unstoppable goaltender in the years to come. At least there is hope of him having a job here next year.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I also remember when people were saying the same thing about Conklin.

Howard is playing like a great backup for the team, but lets not get carried away with it. Howard will not be starting in the playoffs (provided Osgood doesn't have a serious injury or horrible falling out) and he will not be some unstoppable goaltender in the years to come. At least there is hope of him having a job here next year.

I love when people say this with authority. How, exactly, do you know this?

[Theophany 110]

I love when people say this with authority. How, exactly, do you know this?

Because all of the numbers point that way. There are a lot of things he needs to improve on to get to the level you apparently think he's at (or will be at).