A Shootout Question

[Esquire 324]

If speed is so often cited as being a huge factor in the shootout, then why would Babs not consider Helm for the shootout from time to time?

The team is sitting 22nd in the NHL in shootouts and its clear that not everyone is putting them in the net like Pav and Bert so why not shake things up a little and throw Helm in there? His hands are often called into question but what better way to get him some practice.

[stevkrause 1,247]

I love Helm and everything he brings to the team... but this board is almost starting to refer to him with god-like status... there are at least 4 guys before Helm should even be considered for a shootout (Filppula most noteably)

I have no issue with our first 3, it's the 4th, 5th, etc... order that needs to be shaken up

Datsyuk

Zetterberg

Bertuzzi

** When healthy**

THEN

*Franzen*

Filppula

*Williams*

Eaves

Cleary

*Holmstrom*

Ericsson (used to be a forward)

Abdelkader

Kronwall

Helm

Draper

Maltby

Lidstrom

Miller

Rafalski

Stuart

Meech/Lebda

and repeat...

[Yellowknife Redwing 57]

If speed is so often cited as being a huge factor in the shootout, then why would Babs not consider Helm for the shootout from time to time?

The team is sitting 22nd in the NHL in shootouts and its clear that not everyone is putting them in the net like Pav and Bert so why not shake things up a little and throw Helm in there? His hands are often called into question but what better way to get him some practice.

The two things that are required in the shootout (soft hands or a good shot) are the very thing that are keeping Helm from being a superstar in this league.

[CenterIce 83]

If speed is so often cited as being a huge factor in the shootout, then why would Babs not consider Helm for the shootout from time to time?

The team is sitting 22nd in the NHL in shootouts and its clear that not everyone is putting them in the net like Pav and Bert so why not shake things up a little and throw Helm in there? His hands are often called into question but what better way to get him some practice.

If you looked at Datsyuk's shootout goal against Chicago, speed isn't that big a deal. Knowing the goalies tendencies, getting the goalie moving, and actually getting a shot on net are the most important.

Helm has shown on breakaways that he does have the speed, but he doesn't always have the shot.

[Pskov Wings Fan 71]

Helm does not seem to have the hands of a scorer. He is fast, great forechecker but he does not seem to have good shot or dekes.

[zettie85 106]

If you looked at Datsyuk's shootout goal against Chicago, speed isn't that big a deal. Knowing the goalies tendencies, getting the goalie moving, and actually getting a shot on net are the most important.

Helm has shown on breakaways that he does have the speed, but he doesn't always have the shot.

Well if Helm used his speed and just went low blocker the odd time he is chosen I think he would be successful.

[VanDer 58]

Helm has a number of missed breakaways this season so id say no

But we can't get much worse on shootouts so me might aswell give him a go

Edited January 19, 2010 by VanDer

[b-random 0]

I think the OP makes a good point. Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Bertuzzi should always shoot first, but I think there is a huge dropoff (on the breakaway) in skill after those 3. Helm's speed alone is intimidating to a goaltender, his hands aren't the greatest but he can score just fine.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Hank isn't really very good at shootouts, I wouldn't mind Mike trying out some other guys (Eaves comes to mind) in his spot for the time being. Bert and Pavs are both pros at it, and once Willy comes back I think that ought to be the Wings' top 3 and bump Hank out of the starting rotation.

[Esquire 324]

Well if Helm used his speed and just went low blocker the odd time he is chosen I think he would be successful.

That's pretty much what I was thinking. I know there are more attractive options on the bench with pure goal scorers but I'm willing to put money down that you'd catch a goalie playing Helm to far out and his speed alone would back the goalie up quickly and one move or a quick release would be enough.

Not saying he should be a staple in the shootout but the shakeup might do the team some good and we could get lucky. Not to mention it would give Helm a chance to work on his mechanics.

[GSBrooks13 204]

I could be wrong but on all of Helms breakaways I have seen this season he usually ends up rushing himself and just taking a shot into the goalies pads.. It would be interesting to see what he could accomplish with time and space and the peace of mind to know he isnt being chased.. Maybe if he has a deke or two in his bag of tricks and could manage to pull them off with his high speed.. But i think just relying on speed and a shot is hoping way too much for a lucky bounce.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

It'd be interesting to see what he could do, but I'd guess that if goalies saw Helm coming at them, they'd play the shot and not get ready for some crazy ass deke.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Probably rather see Helm than Cleary, but there's atleast 4-5 guys that should shoot before either of them.

[GSBrooks13 204]

Probably rather see Helm than Cleary, but there's atleast 4-5 guys that should shoot before either of them.

I agree.. m not exactly sure what the reasoning behind putting Cleary 4h or 5th is.. unless Babcock knows something we dont and during shootout drills in practice Cleary is a machine..

[CenterIce 83]

I agree.. m not exactly sure what the reasoning behind putting Cleary 4h or 5th is.. unless Babcock knows something we dont and during shootout drills in practice Cleary is a machine..

Cleary has some good breakaway shots. So has Filppula. I think for the Wings, outside of Datsyuk and Bertuzzi, they are not really original on their shots. Especially, if you are dekeing, you have to sell it. You have to get the goalie moving. Why do you think Datsyuk has had Turco and others looking silly? He does something different, and he makes you think he is going one way and he goes another. He has taken slap shots, just to keep the goalie guessing.

[Theophany 110]

The only way Helm would be a logical choice in a SO is if they were using lacrosse (or even bigger) goals.

He only finds the net when he's scooping up the garbage in front.

[j.hoop 64]

helm is god.

[Dano33 41]

Yes, speed is important unless you have amazing hands like Datsyuk (sometimes i wish he would speed up too). For guys like Helm, Eaves, Cleary, etc i think their best option is to come in at an angle with speed. It makes the goalie have to move laterally quickly opening up the five-hole and it gives them the option to go low blocker too.

As for Zetterberg, I think he tries to get too fancy out there. He doesn't have the capability of Datsyuk to have two or three key moves and get away with it. Sometimes he just needs to go in and bury it.

Edited January 19, 2010 by Dano33