47 replies to this topic

[hillbillywingsfan]

To me, the best part of this news is that we can finally (hopefully) start a somewhat normal goalie rotation, and keep Howard as fresh as possible for the playoffs instead of playing him in every single game for the rest of the regular season.

Yea Hoon this is what I was thinking as well. Perfect timing as well to be able to do a normal rotation just in time for the playoffs.

[Hockey13Playa]

Its simple.... MacDonald >>> Conklin. I am all for this, and much more confident and at ease with JMac being our #2 goalie.

[Drake_Marcus]

Honestly, I don't think waiving Conklin presents any more risk than keeping him does. We'd be just as screwed if either of them had to be our guy in the playoffs due to injury, so why not keep the guy who's playing better now? The drop off between Howard and those two is enormous anyway.

The Wings are carrying extra forwards, an extra D and if they kept both Conks and Joey up they'd be carrying an extra goalie. On top of that they have a pair of short-term injuries to forwards... something has to give. I won't be Mursak or Emmerton just yet because Cory's shown some flashes of potential recently and Mursak's got untapped potential with the caveat that he's just getting back into form after a serious foot injury.

[Aussie_Wing]

Conklin will clear waivers, he's done, everyone in the league knows it. He absolutely stunk with the lues last season, and he's just as bad if not worse this season. He's done in this league.

[Hockey Convert]

All I'm saying is that he's been better than his numbers, anytime your team gives up 5-7 goals (Edmonton, Washington, Montreal, NYI, SJ), the problem is bigger than your goalie.

I agree with this to some extent. I think part of the issue- and the size of the part is debatable, granted- was that Conklin was a victim of shaky road play by the team. I do wish they'd given him a couple starts at home, to see if that could give him and the team in front of him some confidence.

Now, though, it seems pretty clear that the team plays nervous hockey in front of Conklin, and is playing well in front of Joey. So if I'm Babcock, even if I think Conklin didn't get a fair shake my hands are tied; you got to go with MacDonald.

Sad as it is for him as a player, I think if Niittymaki cleared waivers, I have to think Conklin would too and maybe he can get his game back in Grand Rapids.

Edited by Hockey Convert, 17 February 2012 - 09:55 AM.

[ElCapitan]

Joey MacDonald IS our deadline acquisition.

LOL...Thanks for preparing us for the reality of the trade deadline.

[wingslogo19]

Joey Joey

[MulesWillFly93]

That's fine with me! I can't believe how well this has worked out (knock on wood). Didn't relish the thought of who we'd have to trade to get a decent backup goalie. I'm with you all on getting Howard and JMac into a regular rotation so Howie's ready to go in the playoffs.

[mmorland]

I say cut Ty loose. I'd rather give bob essensa another shot at this point.

[RedWingsRox]

Seriously, I was wondering why Kenny got Conks. I recall Joey doing a pretty good job for us last year and thought that he was ready to be #2. But Detroit always overcook their guys in GR till they're good and ready.

[MabusIncarnate]

Tonight justified this further, hell of a game from Joey to beat the Preds.

[Red Wings Addict]

Hope Conklin clears waivers. I know the Hawks have some goalie issues along with maybe some other teams.

[jeff48109]

link to red wings twitter

Babcock said that Joey MacDonald is starting on Sunday. Giving Howard an extra few days and taking advantage of Joey Mac's hot hand.

[Danielsm]

link to red wings twitter

Smart move. I'm all for it.

[Red Wings Addict]

Gives them a few extra days to decide how they want to handle Conklin.

[LeonardSankar]

Smart move. I'm all for it.

Actually no not a smart move b/c in order for the Wings to finally solve the San Jose jinx they need Jimmy in net not MacDonald. I guess the home win streak ends tommorow.

[brett]

putting conklin in GR could help him a lot. he would most likely be the starter and playing time could be what he needs to get his game back

[Jeff6851]

Hope Conklin clears waivers. I know the Hawks have some goalie issues along with maybe some other teams.

I'm all for the Hawks taking him

Actually no not a smart move b/c in order for the Wings to finally solve the San Jose jinx they need Jimmy in net not MacDonald. I guess the home win streak ends tommorow.

San Jose hasn't really been that great this year and Red Wing killer Devin Setoguchi is no longer on their team

[canadian wings fan]

And Howard usually doesn't play very well against the Sharks IIRC.....I'm for it, MacDonald has been absolutely sick for us and Howard gets more rest.

[Majsheppard]

Now Joey is looking to take Howard's job too