jimmyemeryhunter 2,747 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 (edited) http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comments/red-wings-coyotes-wrap-up-babcock-stirs-mrazek-related While Wings coach Mike Babcock injected a little controversy into the, "Petr Mrazek has to go back to Grand Rapids now that Jonas Gustavsson and Jimmy Howard are healthy" theory: Mrazek, who had short stints with Detroit in each of the past two seasons, improved to 13-4-0 in 2014-15, including 8-1-0 with one no-decision during a run of 10 consecutive starts. But with Howard nearly ready and Gustavsson healthy again -- he dressed as the backup -- Mrazek could spend his 23rd birthday next Saturday back in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins. "You have to give Mrazek credit here," said Detroit coach Mike Babcock, who could have both of his veterans available for the Red Wings' next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. "Your third goalie has gone (8-1); so maybe he doesn't want to be the third goalie. It's the NHL and the best guys are supposed to play, so we got to figure it out." Edited February 8, 2015 by jimmyemeryhunter 1 krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miksteri 55 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 I have more faith in Mzarek than Gus or Howie, but they might trade Mzarek, if they do, they might as well trade Pulkkinen too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmyemeryhunter 2,747 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 I highly doubt they're going to trade Mrazek unless they get a drastic over payment for him. 3 TheXym, UpstateNYRedWingsFan and krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 ..... Yeah, and if they're going to trade Mrazek and Pulkkinen, they might as well trade Mantha too... F*ck it, trade 'em all... Can you please explain why this would ever happen?... There is no way the Wings are trading Mrazek. Zero Chance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 After Mrazek's recent call-up and play in net, I'm more than comfortable with the Wings trading Gustavsson at the deadline -- if Jimmy is healthy. I can't imagine Gustavsson is going to be re-signed in the offseason -- give him a shot at firming up a backup role elsewhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenrebellion 415 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 After Mrazek's recent call-up and play in net, I'm more than comfortable with the Wings trading Gustavsson at the deadline -- if Jimmy is healthy. I can't imagine Gustavsson is going to be re-signed in the offseason -- give him a shot at firming up a backup role elsewhere. No thanks, I'd rather keep Gustavsson and make sure Mrazek gets as much playing time as possible rather than backing up Howie. 3 krsmith17, TheXym and kliq reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 No thanks, I'd rather keep Gustavsson and make sure Mrazek gets as much playing time as possible rather than backing up Howie. He's going to be backing up Howard at some point, no? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kliq 3,763 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 He's going to be backing up Howard at some point, no? There will become a point where to send him down he will have to clear waivers, at that point he should become our permanent backup. For now, unless Babs wants him to play 30-40 games per year, I don't want him here as a backup. I feel playing 10-15 games a year which I think he would considering Jimmy is healthy could hurt his development. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 (edited) There will become a point where to send him down he will have to clear waivers, at that point he should become our permanent backup. For now, unless Babs wants him to play 30-40 games per year, I don't want him here as a backup. I feel playing 10-15 games a year which I think he would considering Jimmy is healthy could hurt his development. That point is next year. Wings have 30 games left, GR has 29. I think it's really a choice between around 8 NHL games or 20 AHL games. The main difference is that he would play in the playoffs in GR. That's probably an opportunity that he needs to take advantage of. I'm fine with it either way, though. I feel Mrazek is developed to the point where he needs to play in the NHL to develop further. If that's next year or the rest of this year. The positive of it being this year is that he'll get more time to practice with Jim Bedard and face NHL competition and he would be more ready for his role next year. Edit: It is hard to estimate how many games he would play this year, but the wings have 6 back-to-back pairs left so I think you could count him for 6 at the very least. Here's a side question: If Howard got injured mid-game in the playoffs, who would you rather have on the bench to replace him, Mrazek or Monster? Edited February 8, 2015 by PavelValerievichDatsyuk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Greek 323 Report post Posted February 8, 2015 The Maple Leafs use goalies like condoms. I've never used the same one twice, so that should eliminate the chance of monster going to Toronto. 3 krsmith17, jimmyemeryhunter and canadian wings fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmyemeryhunter 2,747 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 Anyone else have a feeling that Mrazek could be used as trade bait to land that right handed Dman? Personally - I'd rather not. I don't have that feeling, no. 4 krsmith17, Hockeymom1960, TheXym and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nawein 324 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Wasn't sure where esle to put this but Mrazek is staying up and starting Wednesday with Howie backing up. Per Khan. "@AnsarKhanMLive: Babcock said Mrazek starting Wednesday. Howard is backing up. Howard might start Saturday." Also I apologize for not being able to embed tweets and make it look cool. Edited February 9, 2015 by nawein 4 krsmith17, roboturner, TheXym and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mvanpop 98 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 That's kind of surprising. Wonder if theyll just keep 3 goalies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Mrazek will get the start again on Wednesday in Pittsburgh. I expect Howard to back him up and then be ready to start the game on Saturday against the Jets. Mrazek will most likely be sent back down to Grand Rapids to get as much playing time as possible. edit - beat me to it nawein... Edited February 9, 2015 by krsmith17 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmyemeryhunter 2,747 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 Mrazek will get the start again on Wednesday in Pittsburgh. I expect Howard to back him up and then be ready to start the game on Saturday against the Jets. Mrazek will most likely be sent back down to Grand Rapids to get as much playing time as possible. Well, its been officially been announced already that Howard will back up Mrazek on Wednesday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 It was officially announced a couple minutes before I posted. Pretty clear I didn't see it until afterward... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 Wasn't sure where esle to put this but Mrazek is staying up and starting Wednesday with Howie backing up. Per Khan. "@AnsarKhanMLive: Babcock said Mrazek starting Wednesday. Howard is backing up. Howard might start Saturday." Also I apologize for not being able to embed tweets and make it look cool. Very wise decision. 1 krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Thats gotta be awesome for Mrazek's confidence (not that he's had any problems with it before). But I know I would feel pretty great about myself if I was given the net over the now cleared to play number 1 goalie. It's a good reward for him, I think, and well deserved. Edited February 9, 2015 by Echolalia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 I agree that it's great for Mrazek's confidence. However, I do think it's more to just wanting Howard to get a few more days of practice and conditioning in before he's thrown in again. I'm sure they'd rather him get his first start in over a month against the Jets rather than against a pretty potent Penguins team. Petr has been playing great, but make no mistake, it's still Jimmy's net. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 I agree that it's great for Mrazek's confidence. However, I do think it's more to just wanting Howard to get a few more days of practice and conditioning in before he's thrown in again. I'm sure they'd rather him get his first start in over a month against the Jets rather than against a pretty potent Penguins team. Petr has been playing great, but make no mistake, it's still Jimmy's net. For now 4 roboturner, Detroit \# 1 Fan, krsmith17 and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 Absolutely, which is a great problem to have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 I agree that it's great for Mrazek's confidence. However, I do think it's more to just wanting Howard to get a few more days of practice and conditioning in before he's thrown in again. I'm sure they'd rather him get his first start in over a month against the Jets rather than against a pretty potent Penguins team. Petr has been playing great, but make no mistake, it's still Jimmy's net.I agree, and I would rather Jimmy start off against the Jets than the Penguins, partially to ease him in, but I also want Jimmy to have a fire lit under his ass that he's riding pine against the Penguins while some kid is between the pipes. All in all, I'm happy Mrazek is playing over Howard for the next game, win or lose. 1 krsmith17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krsmith17 7,191 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 I don't think it's selfish to keep both goalies for a few years, which I'm sure we will. There are teams every year that have two potential starting goalies (Luongo / Schneider, Quick / Bernier, Elliott / Halak...) We are fortunate enough to be in that situation in the next couple years. Things will sort themselves out, and I think eventually, one of the two will be traded for a need elsewhere on the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 As a Wings fan - I want to be selfish, and keep both - however - is that possible with the market today, or is it fair to either player? Well, it's been about 5 or 6 years since we've had a real honest-to-gosh goalie flame-war here on LGWs. BRING IT ON!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 Should of picked up Nabakov and hoard as many goalies as we can Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
