Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted December 16, 2009 Once the brain-fart goals stop going in, I'll be comfortable with him. Right now I am semi at-ease with him and prefer him over Ozzie atm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted December 16, 2009 my favorite part about jimmy is that he closes his legs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Secret 304 Report post Posted December 16, 2009 I don't think I said that Howard was the greatest, bestest, awesomest goalie in the world. I'm saying he is showing that he has potential, he's improved a ton since early in the season and you have to keep in mind he is still a rookie. Datsyuk wasn't all that great in his first season, he seemed to get knocked down on every shift. But you probably wanted him out then anyway. I'm giving it to Howard for keeping this season afloat. He's in the middle of the pack when it comes to goalie stats, just go look at Osgood's stats and you tell me where this team would be right now without Howard. I just pointed out that I am not fully comfortable with how that guy is playing as there are many still many visible mistakes he is making. I never said "he will never be good enough" and should be "railroaded out of town". He's improved some, and some has been enough for right now but I don't feel it will be good enough in the case that he has to assume the role. He has been in the system long enough to have a handle on the poor rebound control and the mad scrambling that seems to be hapening. I'm hoping he works out the kinks and continues to improve but looking at his track record in the AHL its not giving me the confidence. He is in by default right now and playing well enough to keep him there right now but I don't see Howard as the game stealer that we need from time to time. Why is it that when ever someone posts a critical comment about a player they have to enccur the wrath of all those who don't ever want to aknowledge or talk about area's needing improvement? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted December 16, 2009 I agree, no way do I want Howie in for the post season, the vet needs to be ready, but Howie has been SWEET as of late! Has played like a number one though, his stats are on par with starters throughout the league. Now is on par with the rest of the league gonna cut it in the post season or carry them to the post season, highly unlikely unless the O surges when healthy. The vet needs to be ready for the post season and it would be nice if they got up 3-0 in the first round and could give Howie a look at a post season game, but that too is highly unlikely! As odds are the Wings will be a lower seed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 I just pointed out that I am not fully comfortable with how that guy is playing as there are many still many visible mistakes he is making. I never said "he will never be good enough" and should be "railroaded out of town". He's improved some, and some has been enough for right now but I don't feel it will be good enough in the case that he has to assume the role. He has been in the system long enough to have a handle on the poor rebound control and the mad scrambling that seems to be hapening. I'm hoping he works out the kinks and continues to improve but looking at his track record in the AHL its not giving me the confidence. He is in by default right now and playing well enough to keep him there right now but I don't see Howard as the game stealer that we need from time to time. Why is it that when ever someone posts a critical comment about a player they have to enccur the wrath of all those who don't ever want to aknowledge or talk about area's needing improvement? I hear you. Story of my posting life on here. Funny thing is, in the end, I'm usually right, but no one remembers that. And in regards to the bolded, I definitely agree that it is a little troublesome especially in light of the fact that he has had enough time to develop those areas. While an emphasis on fundamentals is critical no matter what stage you're at, it's definitely notable that this area of his game is quite sloppy still. He's gotten the breaks so far this season, but like I said earlier, sooner or later he's not going to be so lucky. That's what I'm a bit worried about and a good reason why I wouldn't be playing him as much as Babcock has been lately. I think he's played enough to prove that he might have what it takes, but I think he needs more time to earn games for cleaning up all aspects of his game and furthermore, more so really, I'd rather him get less good starts than more starts and a quicker approach to a cold streak. I'd rather him feel confident on the bench and working all the harder in practice to compete than for him to get lucky for awhile and then start getting shelled and then lose that confidence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel Hossyukstrom 2 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 my favorite part about jimmy is that he closes his legs unlike some other goalie we know! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broken 16 381 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 I hear you. Story of my posting life on here. Funny thing is, in the end, I'm usually right, but no one remembers that. And in regards to the bolded, I definitely agree that it is a little troublesome especially in light of the fact that he has had enough time to develop those areas. While an emphasis on fundamentals is critical no matter what stage you're at, it's definitely notable that this area of his game is quite sloppy still. He's gotten the breaks so far this season, but like I said earlier, sooner or later he's not going to be so lucky. That's what I'm a bit worried about and a good reason why I wouldn't be playing him as much as Babcock has been lately. I think he's played enough to prove that he might have what it takes, but I think he needs more time to earn games for cleaning up all aspects of his game and furthermore, more so really, I'd rather him get less good starts than more starts and a quicker approach to a cold streak. I'd rather him feel confident on the bench and working all the harder in practice to compete than for him to get lucky for awhile and then start getting shelled and then lose that confidence. We need wins. For whatever reason, the team plays better when Howard is in net. More defensively sound. That's the goal for the team right now. Babcock brings Ozzy in for the big games because Ozzy is a big game goalie (when he feels like it). Howard does the lightwork and forces the team to be more cohesive defensively. I like it just the way it is until around All-Star time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 my favorite part about jimmy is that he closes his legs There are so many places I can go with this... so many jokes... brain... hurts... too many possibilities... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 I hear you. Story of my posting life on here. Funny thing is, in the end, I'm usually right, but no one remembers that. Well at least you're confident in yourself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 Well at least you're confident in yourself. Absolutely! I mean, it's not that I'm arrogant when I say such things, it's just I constantly find myself on the opposing side of arguments against the majority of people around here yet when push comes to shove, what I'm saying or supporting almost always comes true. After so many years here, I really do find it kinda hilarious because it's always the same. I make a point, get blasted for it, wait and then 3 months later, I'm right again... But in the end, I know the score. Making a reasonable point is like hitting home runs in a little league field around here considering the way people freak out and try to ride every whimsical thought in their heads to the heavens... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cupforwings 138 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 I hear you. Story of my posting life on here. Funny thing is, in the end, I'm usually right, but no one remembers that. And in regards to the bolded, I definitely agree that it is a little troublesome especially in light of the fact that he has had enough time to develop those areas. While an emphasis on fundamentals is critical no matter what stage you're at, it's definitely notable that this area of his game is quite sloppy still. He's gotten the breaks so far this season, but like I said earlier, sooner or later he's not going to be so lucky. That's what I'm a bit worried about and a good reason why I wouldn't be playing him as much as Babcock has been lately. I think he's played enough to prove that he might have what it takes, but I think he needs more time to earn games for cleaning up all aspects of his game and furthermore, more so really, I'd rather him get less good starts than more starts and a quicker approach to a cold streak. I'd rather him feel confident on the bench and working all the harder in practice to compete than for him to get lucky for awhile and then start getting shelled and then lose that confidence. How do you know he doesn't work equally hard in practice whether he is playing good or bad? And I wouldn't say he has been tremendously lucky... every goalie gets breaks throughout a game when the other team misses chances... He has made some big saves a big times (i.e. penalty shot, shootout saves).. but i agree he still needs to work on rebound control and positioning. He has played really well as of late and am very glad he is turning into a legit NHL goaltender. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 We need wins. For whatever reason, the team plays better when Howard is in net. More defensively sound. That's the goal for the team right now. Babcock brings Ozzy in for the big games because Ozzy is a big game goalie (when he feels like it). Howard does the lightwork and forces the team to be more cohesive defensively. I like it just the way it is until around All-Star time. I think I'm going to have to disagree on the team playing better defensively when Howard is in net. Howard actually faces on average more shots per game than Osgood (although the discrepancy isn't significant). Additionally, it seems Howard has had way more breakaway/penalty-shots/odd man rushes against him this year than Osgood, but that's just my observation. I could be entirely wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 More he wins, the higher is value will be when he is traded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cupforwings 138 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 More he wins, the higher is value will be when he is traded. except Holland said he was the "future" of this teams success....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 except Holland said he was the "future" of this teams success....... Exactly, think of the future of the players we could get for him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 (edited) Absolutely! I mean, it's not that I'm arrogant when I say such things, it's just I constantly find myself on the opposing side of arguments against the majority of people around here yet when push comes to shove, what I'm saying or supporting almost always comes true. After so many years here, I really do find it kinda hilarious because it's always the same. I make a point, get blasted for it, wait and then 3 months later, I'm right again... But in the end, I know the score. Making a reasonable point is like hitting home runs in a little league field around here considering the way people freak out and try to ride every whimsical thought in their heads to the heavens... True. Although, for the record: not all of us could hit the ball in little league. Edit: Let's be honest-- I actually sucked so hard in T-ball that I never made it to little league. Edited December 17, 2009 by Drake_Marcus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gordie Howe hat trick 110 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 Exactly, think of the future of the players we could get for him. Don't be foolish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltgator333 3 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 This thread is a hoot! Thanx everybody for making my day brighter already! Goes to prove, anything short of a superstar isn't good enough. Really, he looks as good or better than the team's veteran goalie (so far) and heck, all he's done is win games so far this season despite being a rookie goalie and the depleted team in front of him. In today's league with the cap and all, it's better to hold onto who you know than to get rid of them thinking that the next guy might be better. That's an easy road to revolving-door like chaos that hasn't been the mode of operation in Detroit for years and isn't going to change now. As for his faults, until they start losing game after game because of him, he's going to be there and given a shot. Just like any other young NHL goalie. Personally, I think this organization's been long overdue for a young capable goalie that was drafted and developed within the organization. I wish him all the best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 True. Although, for the record: not all of us could hit the ball in little league. Edit: Let's be honest-- I actually sucked so hard in T-ball that I never made it to little league. My nickname in little league was Special K! Carman nice new Avatar! That is all carry on, sorry to interrupt! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broken 16 381 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 I think I'm going to have to disagree on the team playing better defensively when Howard is in net. Howard actually faces on average more shots per game than Osgood (although the discrepancy isn't significant). Additionally, it seems Howard has had way more breakaway/penalty-shots/odd man rushes against him this year than Osgood, but that's just my observation. I could be entirely wrong. Ya. It's hard to pinpoint, but it seems to me that the rest of team works a little harder to support each other when Howard is in. He's still facing breakdowns until the Wings get up to speed defensively, but it still appears to me that they are a slightly better regular season team when he is in. I could be entirely wrong too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outsider 42 Report post Posted December 17, 2009 Ya. It's hard to pinpoint, but it seems to me that the rest of team works a little harder to support each other when Howard is in. He's still facing breakdowns until the Wings get up to speed defensively, but it still appears to me that they are a slightly better regular season team when he is in. I could be entirely wrong too. You're not wrong. You're correct. Additionally, Howard has faced a significantly lower LEVEL of talent all Season long. His last Start, against Phoenix, was the first time he's faced a Team over .500 since the opening weeks of the Season. It's also only one of 4 Teams over .500 that he's faced ALL Season. And while the 'Yotes DO have a winning record, they're also one of the lowest scoring Teams in the League. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted December 18, 2009 Howie with the shutout tonight Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted December 18, 2009 Excellent... His trade value keeps on creeping higher and higher... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gordie Howe hat trick 110 Report post Posted December 18, 2009 Excellent... His trade value keeps on creeping higher and higher... I think you mean Ozzy's keeps depleting... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pucks 66 Report post Posted December 18, 2009 Excellent... His trade value keeps on creeping higher and higher... Why the F*ck would they trade him? Our season would be sunk if not for his play the past month. Please people, Eat less paint. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
