If Howard becomes the "guy".....

[Broken 16 381]

I would think that pulling Howard for Osgood even though Howard is playing would be just as damaging, if not more, than just playing the kid. The upside to him getting playoff experience and finishing what he started is way more valuable than what would be gained from sheltering him.

Edited January 12, 2010 by Broken 16

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

I know it helps the discussion to complicate the situation but it's not really that complicated. I'd be very, very surprised if they threw a rusty Osgood into net just because it's the playoffs. You guys are downplaying how much pressure Howard is under right now and he's doing fine. If nothing changes between now and then, why would anybody want a rusty Osgood starting? So what if Howard loses? Is he gonna jump off a bridge?

Babcock has already proven that he will play the goalie that gives the team the best chance to win and right now that is Howard. If that doesn't change between now and then, I see no reason for Babcock to change his tune. In fact, that would be downright dumb..

That's all based on the assumption that Ozzy is still rusty at the end of the season. For me, there's still too many games left to know much of anything. Ozzy could flip that switch again, Jimmy could go on a cold streak. Who knows.

I will say this though, unless Jimmy is clearly playing better than Ozzy come playoff time (like he is now), they're probably gonna start Osgood.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

ok....but when do you work him in? why not do it now so we know we have a back up in the playoffs in ozzie and not wait until next season when we have no one...i say get him in there now and lets see what he can do. they can tell better then we can if howard will be effective in the playoffs or not.

I guess I did kind of side-step the point of the thread. If the issue were getting him in this season then that's what they'd have to do. If it's just some point down the line, letting Howard observe Ozzie for another year (and maybe get spot duty like Conklin) might be the way to go.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I know it helps the discussion to complicate the situation but it's not really that complicated. I'd be very, very surprised if they threw a rusty Osgood into net just because it's the playoffs. You guys are downplaying how much pressure Howard is under right now and he's doing fine. If nothing changes between now and then, why would anybody want a rusty Osgood starting? So what if Howard loses? Is he gonna jump off a bridge?

Babcock has already proven that he will play the goalie that gives the team the best chance to win and right now that is Howard. If that doesn't change between now and then, I see no reason for Babcock to change his tune. In fact, that would be downright dumb..

Who said anything about "nothing changing?" I most certainly didn't. If Ozzie continues his current level of play throughout the regular season finale, I don't think anyone in their right-mind would start him in goal regardless of what he accomplished the past two playoff runs.

Nobody's complicating anything. This thread was started with the assumption that Ozzie could very well start to regain form as he did the past two years toward the end of the regular season. *That being said*, it does complicate things.

[Broken 16 381]

That's all based on the assumption that Ozzy is still rusty at the end of the season. For me, there's still too many games left to know much of anything. Ozzy could flip that switch again, Jimmy could go on a cold streak. Who knows.

I will say this though, unless Jimmy is clearly playing better than Ozzy come playoff time (like he is now), they're probably gonna start Osgood.

Agreed

I think if they are at about the same level of play, Osgood will get the nod. I hope not though... I really want to see what Howard can do.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Agreed

I think if they are at about the same level of play, Osgood will get the nod. I hope not though... I really want to see what Howard can do.

I kind of do too. If Ozzy is playing well, I'd honestly probably feel better with him between them pipes, knowing what he did the last two seasons.

But I would like to see what Jimmy is capable of, and I'm also a little annoyed at Ozzy's up and down regular season play. If he flipped the switch again, it'd be a nice problem to have to potential starting goaltenders, but still begs the question "why couldn't you play that way in the regular season?"

[GoalieManPat 1,007]

These posts about "getting acclimated" to the playoffs are BS. You don't get acclimated to the playoffs by watching or getting mop up duty when your up big. You get acclimated by starting the frigging game. Thats the only way you will ever know if he can play in the pressure. Sure you risk him faltering and losing and say going down 0-2 in a series but with the way Osgood has played you have just a good of chance that he would drop them 0-2. I'm betting you Osgood gets a chance in the last 20 games to "lose" the spot for the playoffs but I don't think Babs is to worried about putting Howard out there. I think hes more worried about whether its gone for Ozzie.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

These posts about "getting acclimated" to the playoffs are BS. You don't get acclimated to the playoffs by watching or getting mop up duty when your up big. You get acclimated by starting the frigging game. Thats the only way you will ever know if he can play in the pressure. Sure you risk him faltering and losing and say going down 0-2 in a series but with the way Osgood has played you have just a good of chance that he would drop them 0-2. I'm betting you Osgood gets a chance in the last 20 games to "lose" the spot for the playoffs but I don't think Babs is to worried about putting Howard out there. I think hes more worried about whether its gone for Ozzie.

"Getting acclimated" to the playoffs is a little different when you're the guy between the pipes in Detroit than any of the other 29 teams. Half the league is tickled pink just to make the playoffs, while only 3-4 teams are generally serious contenders for the Cup, and in Detroit its Cup or bust. The fact of the matter is that the Wings are getting healthier and are playing better hockey. If they continue that trend and are firing on all cylinders heading into the postseason it complicates things because they'll once again be making a legitimate run for the Cup.

As HS said before, Jimmy's got 37 games of NHL experience under his belt and 0 in the postseason. I most certainly wouldn't just hand over the reigns to him given his lack of experience, nor would I condemn him a playoff failure if he flopped in the first round this year. The bottom line is its too early to tell what type of future he's going to have in Detroit and the NHL for that matter, so how do the Wings *successfully* manage that fact heading into this years' and next years' playoffs given their *team* expectations?

[Pucks 66]

The mindset going into the playoffs this year is going to be different than it was last year obviously. We're not supposed to win the cup this year. We're probably going to be a 6-8 seed. We're going to be looking to spoil someones party. Hawks? Sharks perhaps? Everything after that is gravy IMO.

I know people still have high hopes for our team. I do as well, but we're underdogs this year. Nobody with big expectations is going to want to face us, for obvious reasons.

[acidroach420 25]

Babcock has already proven that he will play the goalie that gives the team the best chance to win and right now that is Howard. If that doesn't change between now and then, I see no reason for Babcock to change his tune. In fact, that would be downright dumb..

This.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

The mindset going into the playoffs this year is going to be different than it was last year obviously. We're not supposed to win the cup this year. We're probably going to be a 6-8 seed. We're going to be looking to spoil someones party. Hawks? Sharks perhaps? Everything after that is gravy IMO.

I know people still have high hopes for our team. I do as well, but we're underdogs this year. Nobody with big expectations is going to want to face us, for obvious reasons.

I agree with this, but I seriously doubt anyone on Detroit's roster will be pleased if they simply spoil any teams' party. While the Wings are clearly not going to be favorites heading into the postseason, there's been plenty of teams that have squeaked in and made a serious run. If a team was ever built to do just that, it has to be this Red Wings team.......which, again is what complicates things.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Honestly, we have to throw him into the fire and see what he has. Start him cold turkey so to say in the playoffs and see how he performs with a healthy team with an even more defenseive mindset. Have him start 8+ straight games leading to the playoffs to see what kind of streak him can get himself into and see where he goes from there.

[redwingfan19 293]

if jimmy can keep this up, there is no reason to NOT start him in the playoffs. He has won big games in college and he has proven he can steal a game

[Konnan511 1,736]

The mindset going into the playoffs this year is going to be different than it was last year obviously. We're not supposed to win the cup this year. We're probably going to be a 6-8 seed. We're going to be looking to spoil someones party. Hawks? Sharks perhaps? Everything after that is gravy IMO.

I know people still have high hopes for our team. I do as well, but we're underdogs this year. Nobody with big expectations is going to want to face us, for obvious reasons.

I agree and disagree at the same time. We may not be the favorites, but we have a damn good chance to win the cup. The only team that worries me is the Hawks come playoff time, but I'd still give the edge to the Wings since we have substantially more playoff experience. The Sharks never scare me because their team isn't built for a Stanley Cup. Duck use to scare me, but w/o Pronger I'm not too worried.

[zettie85 106]

Seeing the situation we are in this year we will be in the bottom 4 if we make it. Considering that we continue to linger outside the 8th spot it is definitely an if. When playoff time comes and Howard is still playing at the level he is showing now, I think this would be as great of time as any to give him a taste of the post season. We are in the bottom, there isn't that much pressure to win it all. Being a Wing's fan this year as opposed to other years I'm not expecting a cup. Not that I wouldn't like it but lets be realistic.

Ozzie got in because Hasek faltered. Ozzie started the next year because he had won it the year before and Conklin was not potentially our goaltender of the future. Jimmy is just that. They have invested a lot of time in this kid. They may go with Ozzie but in my opinion, what better opportunity do the Wing's have to get this kid his first playoff experience?

Next season should look a bit different come playoff time if we don't have the same string of injuries. Expectations will be higher next year.

So I say let the kid play.

Edit: Now that I think of it, he is older then me. I shouldn't be calling him kid.

Edited January 12, 2010 by zettie85

[Konnan511 1,736]

[stuff]

So I say let the kid play.

Edit: Now that I think of it, he is older then me. I shouldn't be calling him kid.

I know, I'm 24 and I call these people kids...

[Theophany 110]

Honestly, we have to throw him into the fire and see what he has. Start him cold turkey so to say in the playoffs and see how he performs with a healthy team with an even more defenseive mindset. Have him start 8+ straight games leading to the playoffs to see what kind of streak him can get himself into and see where he goes from there.

This. Throw him in the damn pool, see if he sinks or swims.

If he sucks, Ozzie is ready to go. If he plays like he did against LA, then we're good.

Either way, I'd say we'll be alright, but I'm a strong advocate of tossing guys into a situation where they're gonna be just a bit out of their depth to stretch their potential and see what they've got.

[zettie85 106]

I know, I'm 24 and I call these people kids...

I guess it just comes with the "rookie" title.

[mackel 767]

Personally I think something very odd is happening in Detroit with Osgood... I'm no Osgood fan that's well established BUT it would seem that tonight against the lowly Islanders would have been a prime time to A. rest Jummy and B. give Osgood a softy to get back playing. I wonder if their is something going on behind the scenes that we're not aware of...

As for the playoffs Jimmy needs to get a try at it... Remember way back in the day when Osgood was in net for that opening round loss to San Jose.

[zettie85 106]

Personally I think something very odd is happening in Detroit with Osgood... I'm no Osgood fan that's well established BUT it would seem that tonight against the lowly Islanders would have been a prime time to A. rest Jummy and B. give Osgood a softy to get back playing. I wonder if their is something going on behind the scenes that we're not aware of...

As for the playoffs Jimmy needs to get a try at it... Remember way back in the day when Osgood was in net for that opening round loss to San Jose.

Well to be fair the Isle's aren't as lowly as the Cane's on Thursday at home. Maybe Bab's will put him in then. In a comfortable environment against a lowly team.

[Russian Houdini 8]

I feel like he should play Howard if he is still playing very well come the postseason if we are there... for the first one for two games and see how he feels. If he isn't playing like he used to put in Ozzie, and then if we are up considerably in games put in Howard.

Ozzie should also be made aware of any situation thus he doesn't feel bad or anything.

I feel like if a player is performing well throughout the season (and that is still a big if for Jimmy) then it would be like you are turning your back on him come the postseason... in any sport from where I am sitting. Give him a test run in the first game and if we see that he still needs time put in Ozzie.

I think that is only fair.

[clutchngrab 12]

If Howard is still around 3rd in the league in GAA and 3rd in the league in SVPCT and Osgood is around 27th and 34th , then Howard will start. The job is and will be Howard's to lose.

BTW, Hot young goaltenders have had some good runs in recent years: For example, Ward, Theodore, Giguire come to mind.

[wmubronco420 25]

If Howard is still around 3rd in the league in GAA and 3rd in the league in SVPCT and Osgood is around 27th and 34th , then Howard will start. The job is and will be Howard's to lose.

BTW, Hot young goaltenders have had some good runs in recent years: For example, Ward, Theodore, Giguire come to mind.

you could also add leclaire, mason, and boucher(in his first run with philly) to that list. It seems o be pretty common for a young goalie to have a hot start then fizzle out. Thats the main reason im cautiously optimistic about howard. The guy could be great, or he could end up just being another guy to add to that list.

[titanium2 867]

Kind of like old Vernie and young Ozzie.

[55fan 5,133]

Assuming that both goalies are playing well in April, I would give Oz the nod this year.

Jimmy has exceeded my expectations, and if he keeps this up, I am thrilled to have him as my goalie of the future.

Ozzie has 2 post-seasons left here on this contract. We have no idea what he will do after that. Assuming that we will make the playoffs, I'd give it to Ozzie this year for sure. Jimmy has experienced post-season play from the press box. He has been in the locker room, but not on the bench. I think that by having him as the back-up this year, he will gain valuable insight and experience on the whole playoff picture.

In the unlikely event that Ozzie fails (yeah, I'm an Ozzie slappie- sue me), putting Jimmy in to replace him is better than throwing Jimmy in at the beginning. If they are already losing, and Jimmy wins, it will be a great boost for him; but if Jimmy loses, it's not as much of a blow since they were losing when he went in.

As for the next year, and any years that follow if Ozzie re-signs, let them play themselves out.