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Doing It Right Down In Nashville
by IwoCPO on 11/17/09 at 08:06 AM ET
Comments (96)
As some of you may recall, I used to live in Tennessee. One thing I learned about that state and about the residents there is that they are patriots to the core. “God Bless America” is a song that stops you in your tracks down there. The Pledge of Allegiance has a place in every school, every church and every home.
And they love the military. In about a week they’re gonna prove it.
Dirk Hoag, On The Forecheck
Next Monday’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings is going to be special for a number of reasons; there’s the 6:00 Central starting time, the fact that the game marks the Preds’ lone appearance on Versus this season, and of course it’s the first meeting with Nashville’s most-hated Central Division rival.
But it’s also an opportunity for Predators fans to help out members of the military and their families, as they cope with the stresses that combat duty places on their lives. Follow after the jump to read about the Featured Charity for that game, Not Alone.
The “Not Alone” campaign was created to assist military families deal with combat stress. Read up on that if you have to. It’s a real issue and it’s affecting military families. Consider donating if you can and at the very least be aware that there are organizations out there designed to assist, and there are hockey teams who deserve credit for helping the right kind of charities.
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Comments
And your article title has a tpyo Chief… In=It
Firefox’s free spell check can only do so much. 
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 08:21 AM ET
Good Job by those Folks !!
Posted by Evilpens on 11/17/09 at 08:35 AM ET
No doubt a great move by the Preds organization.
I’ll like this, but I still think Jordin Tootoo’s a chump.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/17/09 at 08:44 AM ET
Or a Chimp !!
Posted by Evilpens on 11/17/09 at 08:55 AM ET
Actually, I’d say that the team seems to be a bunch of dicks, but that the fans that we’ve had in here have been generally knowledgeable and outright classy. Remember Predneck and Predjoe? A couple of good guys during the first round two years ago. And I guess now you can say that the organization is classy too. Good on them. Now if they would just do something about that little gnat Tootoo and his idiotic train whistle…
(BTW, VooX, since you brought him up, Jeremy Clarkson is very active in a similar British charity called Hope for Heroes. Thought you might like to know.)
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 11/17/09 at 09:25 AM ET
It is challenging to have much respect for an organization that actively promotes Jordan Tutu. Those damn whistles, I hate those damn whistles. It is also challenging coming to terms with ice hockey in Dixie-land, in general.
However, anyone or any organization that devotes time and resources to help our sevicemen and women, that deserves respect.
On another note. Bab’s says: We need more shoot:
Babcock was asked about Niklas Kronwall ‘s recent offensive surge. Kronwall has seven points in his last three games (three goals, four assists).
“It’s amazing,” Babcock said. “You tell a guy to shoot, shoot, shoot and he never shoots. Then he scores a goal and all he does is shoot.
“You look at the shots and the guys that shoot the puck all the time score all the goals, yet you can’t get guys to shoot the puck. It was great to see him finally shoot it.”
Kronwall has put eight shots on goal the last three games.
“We need more guys to shoot the puck,” Babcock said.
Khan(!), says Uncle Mike is looking for identity:
Despite their offseason personnel losses and key injuries, the Red Wings led the Western Conference and were fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.39) Monday.
“We got to continue to evolve as a team and find a way, a blueprint for our team, on how it’s supposed to play,” Babcock said. “And then, when you find the blueprint, you got to have enough mental toughness to stick to it every night.
“We did that great three years ago and two years ago. We weren’t near as good at it last year and weren’t very good at it at all my first year here (2005-06).
“For two years there, we had a game plan and we just did it, almost robotic, just came out and played and flat-out wore the other team out.”
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/17/09 at 09:33 AM ET
Jeremy Clarkson is very active in a similar British charity called Hope for Heroes.
I knew I liked that man, in addition to being insanely jealous over his career.
Replay of Top Gear last night, Bugatti Veyron vs Euro Fighter Typhoon Drag Race, insane.
Did any of you happen to note the frggin idiot from Texas that drove his Veyron into the saltmarsh the other day? He claimed he was disracted by a pelican, then dropped his cell phone. Douche Nozzle. From said idiot when asked if the car was salvagable: “Salt water isn’t good for anything.”
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/17/09 at 09:40 AM ET
Good for Clarkson, he seems to be a huge supporter of the military, and has had the forces provide Top Gear access to some amazing hardware for car segments. Let’s face facts. Clarkson is a stubborn buffoon, who has an amazing style of expressing himself. He is loud, brash, and unapologetic. And I dig that.
While I don’t think Clarkson is as talented as Tiff or Plato behind the wheel, he has a hell of a way to get his opinion across. I do think Stig is as talented as Tiff, sure Tiff had a single F1 race, but Stig (Ben Collins) has had a good touting car race career.
Red Menace enjoys Fifth Gear (now cancelled) for the info, and that is cool too. I just found Fifth Gear duller than watching paint dry. It tried too damn hard to be cool. And failed miserably. Not to mention Top Gear’s budget allows for some amazing trips and even more amazing direction, editing, and camera work.
Top Gear is brilliant entertainment. Brilliantly funny. And technically brilliant. All this despite Clarkson being a pompous ass, James May being anally-retentive, and Hammond being a shadow of his pre-head trauma self. It just works. Brilliantly.
The recent series started with a trip to Romania that was great. I rewound clips multiple times to break down the magic frame by frame.
Just like a Datsyuk dangle. I watch those frame by frame too sometimes.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 10:01 AM ET
here is an excellent Top Gear episode…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfz9Jb5ExKo
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 11/17/09 at 10:15 AM ET
Just like a Datsyuk dangle. I watch those frame by frame too sometimes.
I was watching one of Datsyuk’s dangles frame by frame and caught a glimpse of Tyler Durden.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 11/17/09 at 10:17 AM ET
I have an exchange student from Kosovo staying with us this year and he’s never watched hockey. “Football..” he says” is the only sport.” So I turned to an NFL game and he scowled at me.
Anyways…he’s since become a rabid Red Wings fan (in addition to Tigers which I also have indoctrinated him to) and in such a devoted Datsyuk fan. All after some frame by frame reviews of some of his “Datsyukian Dekes” which I cannot for the life of me type as Ylli pronounces it.
But he jumps to his feet everytime Pavel gets the puck and uses body English to help him out.
He’s tried to get me to watch some UEFA games but I just can’t sit through soccer…
Posted by 42jeff from Minot, North Dakota on 11/17/09 at 10:24 AM ET
Hammond being a shadow of his pre-head trauma self.
Curious here VooX…what do you mean by that? As far as I can tell, the only lasting damage to Hamster from the accident is that he’s now a raging metrosexual.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 11/17/09 at 10:41 AM ET
I was watching one of Datsyuk’s dangles frame by frame and caught a glimpse of Tyler Durden.
Really? I watched one and saw an ad for Baltika Beer. He probably got some sponsorship money for that.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 11/17/09 at 10:43 AM ET
I was watching one of Datsyuk’s danles frame by frame and caught a glmipse of Tyler Durden.
PaulinMiami, watch yourself with those pop culture references. It doesn’t bode well with soports.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/17/09 at 11:02 AM ET
George over at Snaphsots cobbled together the weekly “power rankings.” Scott Cullen, TSN.ca, made an intriguing observation:
November 16, TSN: This Week: 11 Last Week: 21 Detroit Red Wings 10-5-3: Three straight starts for Jimmy Howard and three straight wins for a tighter defensive Red Wings team, allowing a total of 81 shots—their lowest three-game total so far this season.
The “fire McCrimmon” drums are dimming, for the moment.”
Clarkson being a pompous ass, James May being anally-retentive, and Hammond being a shadow of his pre-head trauma self. It just works. Brilliantly.
The trio’s diverse personality is what makes the show so damn brilliant - - that and the cars. 
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/17/09 at 11:11 AM ET
^^ though I tend to agree with Andrew ^^ Hammond is a flaming something or other. I don’t think that obscene crash makes him much “different” than he was before. Hell, he is lucky to be in one piece after that disaster.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/17/09 at 11:13 AM ET
the fact that the game marks the Preds’ lone appearance on Versus this season
If only the Preds were owned by the same company that owns Versus…
**cough cough Philadelphia Flyers cough**
All of my non-basic cable channels, including Center Ice, are down after our first 1/4 inch of snow of the season. They have until tomorrow to get themselves unfucked before the phone calls of fury start flying in from the 913.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/17/09 at 11:19 AM ET
Curious here VooX…what do you mean by that? As far as I can tell, the only lasting damage to Hamster from the accident is that he’s now a raging metrosexual.
He was always a raging metrosexual… remember all the old teeth whitening jokes and constant references to his “fancy” shirts. Which he did admit an shopping addiction for.
It is hard to evaluate Hamster on the studio segments, as they are all scripted. But when he is doing his own segments (car reviews) he lacks the edge and wit he had pre-accident. As well, during challenges when the banter is generally unscripted, he can no longer match up in a battle of wits and opinion as well with Clarkson.
Some of the most insightful revelations about his post-accident deficiencies come from Hammond himself. I don’t have the time to dig up links, but he has said he rushed back to work too quickly.
Having suffered trauma to the frontal lobe, the portion that controls much of our awareness and personality, he admits he had to “rediscover” how to handle emotions. He tells of breaking down uncontrollably sobbing over a sad story or commercial, not being able to harness the sad emotions.
He also tells of being very angry and quick to get in a rage. Even Clarkson has alluded to this on the show.
Overall, the light behind Hamster’s eyes is a bit dimmer. He is not as sharp with his wit or his comebacks to Clarkson’s opinions (especially when debating cars in a challenge). I believe this is why James May has been asked to do more reviews and segments, and has stepped up his game.
Before I was amused at May (I am convinced he is gay) and his idiosyncrasies. Not really keen on him, I still liked what he brought. Since Hammond’s accident, May has become more “manly” and is doing some excellent segments. I actually enjoy May more today than in the early years of the current version of Top Gear.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 11:54 AM ET
All of my non-basic cable channels, including Center Ice, are down after our first 1/4 inch of snow of the season. They have until tomorrow to get themselves unfucked before the phone calls of fury start flying in from the 913.
After only 1/4” of snow?!? Lord t’undering Jesus that’s sad. In Canada, that is a dusting.
Although, I shouldn’t really open my pie-hole. I do live in the city whose mayor (Lastman) called in the Army to dig us out of a snowstorm several years ago. We still haven’t lived down the embarrassment that Li’l Idiot Mayor made us feel. Over the snow storm and literally losing the 2008 Olympics after he opened his big mouth about visiting Africa and fearing being boiled in alive in a cauldron by cannibals.
I can’t make that stuff up. Sad but true stories from Toronto that have nothing to do with the Maple Leafs.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 11:59 AM ET
We get a good amount of snow every year, it’s just that every sweltering summer where it gets to 90 degrees with ten-thousand percent humidity, the entire region seems to forget what it’s like on the other end of the seasonal spectrum. When the first snowfall hits, everybody acts like it’s the damned apocalypse before remembering we do this every year. This time next week everything will be fine and people will realize that they’re allowed to drive more than ten miles per hour.
Hell, even I’m not completely immune. It wasn’t cold going into my office in the morning and I had forgotten my coat. By the time I was ready to go home that night, I considered peeing myself for warmth during the 20-second walk to my car.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/17/09 at 12:03 PM ET
Chief, thanks for the sidebar.
Props to the Preds for supporting military families.
Jeez, Gramps, at least wait until Jimmah’s hot streak is over before trying to run him out of town. I know Wings’ fans collective history of running bad goalies out of town. I think Cheveldae is still running away from the D. I also get that on the current streak, the opposition has been weak and the skaters have tightened up the D infront of him. But come on now, trying to run a goalie out of town that is actually winning? The kid deserves the opportunity to prove himself. At least wait until he loses three straight and has a gaa over 4 before calling for his head.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/17/09 at 12:10 PM ET
Stick tap to Bubba management for the good work.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 11/17/09 at 12:13 PM ET
Jeez, Gramps, at least wait until Jimmah’s hot streak is over before trying to run him out of town. I know Wings’ fans collective history of running bad goalies out of town. I think Cheveldae is still running away from the D. I also get that on the current streak, the opposition has been weak and the skaters have tightened up the D infront of him. But come on now, trying to run a goalie out of town that is actually winning? The kid deserves the opportunity to prove himself. At least wait until he loses three straight and has a gaa over 4 before calling for his head.
Does anyone else get a chill up their spine when they hear the name Cheveldae?
Gramps I must warn you to be aware of the disease called Nostalgia. The allure of some distant memory of Halcyon Days will drive you nuts. We like to reminisce about the early 20th century as though the years were without fault, but things have actually gotten better as medical, social, and technological advancements have been made.
Nothing is perfect. Ever.
Gramps I know that you are an intelligent hockey fan capable of good analysis, but this Chicken Little/Eeyore crap is wearing a bit thin. No one is harder on their players than Red Wings fans, particularly after our recent successes as a organ-I-zation. Expectations have been very high for more than a decade.
At the same time, given our lack of top-10 picks and the salary cap, we must develop talent from within more and more. We aren’t going to have a goalie the caliber of Fleury fall into our laps in the draft. Not unless we start tanking.
But then again, Ozzie was never a draft prospect of Fleury’s caliber and look how well he has done for the Wings. We must give Howard time to sink or swim on his own, and more than just two months to do it.
The Wings are trying to build a perennial contender. We can’t do that under the salary cap by making trades every time there is a shortcoming on the squad. Those days went the way of the dodo bird when the salary cap came into effect.
We must develop our own talent, and allow them time to ripen. Ericsson has looked shaky with Lebda, and certainly would look much better paired with Lidstrom… but Jonny won’t develop as quickly with Lidas as a crutch. He too has to stand on his own, and I’m willing to give him and Howard a chance to make plays and make mistakes. We have no choice unless we want to be a flash-in-the-pan team who has to rebuild every decade through tanking.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 12:26 PM ET
Props to the Preds for what they are doing. We really do have a good organization. We fans are just a little “red” and we can’t help it.
And I completely understand the universal hatred of Tootoo. I do. I will hate him the minute he puts on a different jersey. And, you already know this, but the reason we hate the Wings so much is because we want to be like them in every way possible. We won’t admit it, but it’s 100% true.
Posted by Predneck from Hicktown on 11/17/09 at 12:28 PM ET
And I completely understand the universal hatred of Tootoo. I do. I will hate him the minute he puts on a different jersey. And, you already know this, but the reason we hate the Wings so much is because we want to be like them in every way possible. We won’t admit it, but it’s 100% true.
Nice post.
Many of the pred fans I have issue with were the ones coming around in 2006 and 2007 to Wings blogs and newspaper sites. The deluge of posters named “predhead” drove me nuts.
I must admit that the fans that have stuck with the team in the past couple of years are excellent fans. And good posters online as well.
Sorry for lumping you in with the others, Predneck, there are quite a few quality fans following still following the Predators.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 12:33 PM ET
Jeez, Gramps, at least wait until Jimmah’s hot streak is over before trying to run him out of town. I know Wings’ fans collective history of running bad goalies out of town. I think Cheveldae is still running away from the D. I also get that on the current streak, the opposition has been weak and the skaters have tightened up the D infront of him. But come on now, trying to run a goalie out of town that is actually winning? The kid deserves the opportunity to prove himself. At least wait until he loses three straight and has a gaa over 4 before calling for his head.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 11/17/09 at 12:10 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
Last game he gave up 4 goals (2 softies) to a team that ranks 16th in goals scored, with an average GPG of 2.75.
19 saves on 23 shots. He did not score any of the 7 goals that gave him that win.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/17/09 at 12:33 PM ET
Can one of the p-shop wizards put Jordin Tootoo’s head:
on this body:
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/17/09 at 12:36 PM ET
Best part about Top Gear is that they’re always making fun of Detroit.
My favorite episode is definitely the one where they drive $1000 cars through the south. I’ve seen it like a dozen times and die of laughter each time.
I just wish BBC america would show more new episodes, I’m kind of getting sick of hearing about “new” cars from 2005.
Posted by Kstewy16 on 11/17/09 at 12:37 PM ET
Great move by the Nashville organization. The whole NHL should follow suit. If they can do it for Breast Cancer awareness, they can certainly do it with this. Another opportunity for digi-camo jerseys, tape etc.
The recent series started with a trip to Romania that was great. I rewound clips multiple times to break down the magic frame by frame.
Just like a Datsyuk dangle. I watch those frame by frame too sometimes.
Posted by VooX
I just watched it last night. The production is out of hand and getting better every year.
My girlfriend just went to Romania to give a lecture. She’s only into Benzs but man, hitting that road in any one of those cars would be insane. Who would have ever thought that Romania would have a grander road than Italy. The weird benefits of having a dictator in your history.
________
^ line in sand.
We are all cautious about Howard but he made great technical adjustments after two games and watching some video. That’s pretty amazing. He let in a few softies last game. Granted. But I can’t think of any Cup winning Wing goalie who hasn’t had a reputation for weak goals; Vernie’s five hole, Ozzie’s regular season, Hasek’s insanity. Howard is right in line.
Posted by Osrt on 11/17/09 at 12:39 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
Maybe you honestly missed me asking this (...twice…), or maybe I should take a hint that I’m not worthy of your answers:
I’m curious why you are for giving some skaters ice time to find a groove and improve confidence, but you’ve given Jimmah all of one month.
...
What’s your solution to long term goaltending then? With Oz in his late 30’s and with young, available, cheap, proven talent being a non-existent entity, don’t you have to “season” a young goalie at some point?
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/17/09 at 12:41 PM ET
^ aimed at Todd. Italics fail # 1,509
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/17/09 at 12:41 PM ET
Posted by HockeyTownTodd
Should you be banned for not getting your CBJ or Van game predictions wrong?
Gramps please.
Posted by Osrt on 11/17/09 at 12:43 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
Last game he gave up 4 goals (2 softies) to a team that ranks 16th in goals scored, with an average GPG of 2.75.
19 saves on 23 shots. He did not score any of the 7 goals that gave him that win.Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don?t live up to my expectations on 11/17/09 at 12:33 PM ET
“Too young…charlie brown teacher talk…need more vets…charlie brown teacher talk…19 don’t know hockey…charlie brown teacher talk…babcock sucks…charlie brown teacher talk.” Tiresome.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 11/17/09 at 12:45 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
Last game he gave up 4 goals (2 softies) to a team that ranks 16th in goals scored, with an average GPG of 2.75.
19 saves on 23 shots. He did not score any of the 7 goals that gave him that win.Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don�t live up to my expectations on 11/17/09 at 12:33 PM ET
I probably gave him the biggest pass of everybody, all things considered. So what? I really don’t think Biron is the answer to our problems and if we get rid of Jimmah for him, we’re as likely to be kicking ourselves later as congratulating ourselves on such a smart move. There is no answer out there that I am happy with if Ozzie goes down in the playoffs. I don’t think Biron can hack it either. If we do get him and he fails, then it’s a dumbass move. If we stick with Jimmah and he fails in the playoffs, it’s because he got thrust into a spotlight for which he wasn’t ready and gets to use that as a chance at more development. Ozzie winning the cup after Hasek got benched was an exception to a rule. Usually a team gets an automatic pass for bowing out of the playoffs with their backup goaltender in net. This year would be no different unless for some reason we land an “elite” backup. Biron is not that guy.
I have faith that Jimmah can win about 20 games for us this year; that’s all he needs to do.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/17/09 at 12:45 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
I’m not giving him a pass. I’m just not losing sight of what really matter: wins, losses, points. That and the fact that it’s a team sport. Howard has been the goalie of record for three straight wins, giving up 1, 1, and 4 goals respectively. The team is 5-1 in the first half of November.
You, me and a bunch of the 19 got pissed off (and rightfully so) at Babs for shuffling lines after wins this season. Now you want to go out and get a new backup goalie to replace the one that is on a 3 game winning streak?
I’m not giving Howard a pass. I want the TEAM to win. And when the TEAM is actually winning, it is not the right time to mess with the TEAM.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/17/09 at 12:46 PM ET
We must develop our own talent, and allow them time to ripen. Ericsson has looked shaky with Lebda, and certainly would look much better paired with Lidstrom… but Jonny won’t develop as quickly with Lidas as a crutch. He too has to stand on his own, and I’m willing to give him and Howard a chance to make plays and make mistakes. We have no choice unless we want to be a flash-in-the-pan team who has to rebuild every decade through tanking.
Posted by VooX
I have never complained about Ericsson, or suggested he should be traded.
That is just hockey.
You have to remember that the goalies are on the ice for 60 minutes, and they’re development does not compare at all to Defensemen or Forwards. Howard has established a record of inconsistency and there is no indication that pattern will change. Holland is right about not needing a top 6 goalie, but the other 24 starters/backups in the league only remain if they are consistent.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/17/09 at 12:46 PM ET
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 12:26 PM ET
You may have just converted me and my thinking about Howard AND the Lebda - E pairing… scary how right you are so often. Is it hard being omniscient?
Great move by the Nashville organization. The whole NHL should follow suit. If they can do it for Breast Cancer awareness, they can certainly do it with this. Another opportunity for digi-camo jerseys, tape etc.
Agreed. I still wholeheartedly believe that most American sports don’t do enough to recognize the sacrifices made by our military. Considering the fact that millions of people tune in to watch a completely meaningless “battle,” it seems like the appropriate time to recognize the efforts of those who are legitimately putting it all on the line for our sake.
Again, I think that the “Fallen Heroes” segment of HNIC is perfect. We ought to go beyond the rhetoric and truly recognize those who have given their lives for us. It’s one thing to sing “Proud to be an American” and another to truly reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice given by our nation’s best. Hell, each arena in the league ought to play something similar just before the anthem.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 11/17/09 at 12:52 PM ET
RE: Giving Howard a pass.
I have to agree to a point. I think that when the wins come its all too easy to forget the flaws in Howard’s game. However, he may be what we need right now: a goaltender the Wings will win in spite of. Having Professor Softy McOutofposition in net means NO mistakes. Hopefully E and his “pass right to Getzlaf’s tape” has figured that out and will be that much sharper from here out. Maybe it’s just me, but our D-corps has looked much sharper on nights that Jimmah was on the blue ice.
I’m still not convinced that he’ll ever be our starter. I hope I’m wrong. But he’s slowly changing my mind that he needs to be put directly on waivers or traded to anyone willing to take him.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 11/17/09 at 01:01 PM ET
You have to remember that the goalies are on the ice for 60 minutes, and they’re development does not compare at all to Defensemen or Forwards. Howard has established a record of inconsistency and there is no indication that pattern will change. Holland is right about not needing a top 6 goalie, but the other 24 starters/backups in the league only remain if they are consistent.
Howard developed his record of inconsistency in the AHL, not the NHL. Some suggested his inconsistency was due to impatience of being stuck in the minors when most felt he was ready for a shot in the NHL. Granted, he was inconsistent, and I too criticized him for not showing much improvement in the year between games where I saw him play live in the preseason. I am still going to give him enough rope to hang himself now that he has made the big club. Every man should be given a chance to stand on their own two feet.
You mention that a goalie’s development doesn’t compare at all to D-men or Forwards. But neither does their job. When Ericsson makes a bad play, sometimes it directly results in a GA like last game, other times he gets away with it as a teammate or his goalie steps up to make the play.
When Howard messes up a play, it is a goal. He is the last line of defence and has no one to save him from his mistakes. Thus, instead of pointing fingers at goals let in, I like to look at what caused the goal to go in. Sure he has not been perfect but very few rookies are.
We are all cautious about Howard but he made great technical adjustments after two games and watching some video. That’s pretty amazing.
Absolutely. He is not overplaying the angles like he did in his first couple of starts, and has mentioned looking at the video of those losses to remedy his pushing off too hard. And for a rookie to make that adjustment so quickly I am impressed, like Osrt.
What would you rather have, Gramps, a goalie like Mason who has one stellar year, and then a terrible year? Where you don’t know if is going through a slump or his rookie year was an aberration and he will never play to that level?
I probably gave him the biggest pass of everybody, all things considered. So what? I really don’t think Biron is the answer to our problems and if we get rid of Jimmah for him, we’re as likely to be kicking ourselves later as congratulating ourselves on such a smart move. There is no answer out there that I am happy with if Ozzie goes down in the playoffs. I don’t think Biron can hack it either. If we do get him and he fails, then it’s a dumbass move. If we stick with Jimmah and he fails in the playoffs, it’s because he got thrust into a spotlight for which he wasn’t ready and gets to use that as a chance at more development.
Amen. There are few eligible replacements out there that would be a good replacement, either salary-wise or performance-wise. While Howard may not be the solution, he deserves his shot. We also have Larsson and McCollum who are performing well in the minors. They are going to push Howard to step up, or step out. But that is at least a year away.
And onto the Babcock criticisms… with the exception of Hitchcock, there are no coaches who could do a better job in the same position. Unless we get Hitchcock, why give up a stud like Babcock so easily? He is not perfect, but far better than everyone else out there.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 01:05 PM ET
This would be no different unless for some reason we land an “elite” backup. Biron is not that guy.Posted by J.J. from Kansas
Lifetime GAA .912….in 12 yrs he has never finished below .900
2 wins in 10 starts on a crap team but still maintaining .913 GAA
On the market, and affordable
Martin Biron
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/17/09 at 01:06 PM ET
scary how right you are so often. Is it hard being omniscient?
Be careful, the last thing my ego needs is more swelling. But thanks.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 01:08 PM ET
Anyone else see this?
What’s the deal with two sticks, Hank?
Detroit Red Wings’ Henrik Zetterberg, left, and teammate Jonathan Ericsson, both of Sweden, celebrate Zetterberg’s goal against Anaheim Ducks during the third period of their NHL hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 in Detroit. The Red Wings won 7-4.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/17/09 at 01:10 PM ET
And onto the Babcock criticisms… with the exception of Hitchcock, there are no coaches who could do a better job in the same position.Posted by VooX
Jacques Lemaire
and
Babs is outfoxed on a regular basis (considering what they have to work with) by:
Andy Murray
Ron Wilson
Dave Tippit
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/17/09 at 01:13 PM ET
Anyone else see this?
What’s the deal with two sticks, Hank?
With cheapshot artists like the *ucks on the ice, one stick was for protection, and the other was for scoring hat-tricks. Hank has much essence.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 01:15 PM ET
This is what I was talking about when I mentioned some of the 19 giving him a pass.
Last game he gave up 4 goals (2 softies) to a team that ranks 16th in goals scored, with an average GPG of 2.75.
19 saves on 23 shots. He did not score any of the 7 goals that gave him that win.
Yes, and before that? 2 one-goal-wins (56 of 58 shots on those).
I respect you, Gramps, you’re older and much wiser than I am. But you’re getting really cranky and stubborn, d’ya know?
And please, for Helm sake, responde Tyler’s question.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/17/09 at 01:15 PM ET
What do we do with Biron next year, Gramps?
I’m working off the assumption that our backup is not going to be called upon to win us a Stanley Cup, but rather to get about 20-25 wins for us in the regular season. So we get rid of Howard and get a $1.4M backup who becomes a free agent next year. Sure, we have more money to spend with Nick’s contract expiring, but I’d rather spend that money elsewhere, especially if Biron thinks he’s in line for more pay. Is Larsson ready for backup duties next season? How does shipping out a 25 year old with limited NHL experience affect the remaining goalies and their confidence in our organization?
I think it’s too early to pull the plug on Howard. It disrupts too many pieces and doesn’t give us enough value in return.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/17/09 at 01:21 PM ET
Jacques Lemaire—completely unprepared to handle our style of play. He could handle the defensive aspects of the Wings, but likely would stifle all offensive creativity and spark. Not what I’d like to see.
Andy Murray—while great with youngsters, has yet to prove himself capable of handling superstars and veterans. Just like Dave Lewis couldn’t tame our talent, I think our stars would end up running the show to the detriment of the Red Wings overall.
Dave Tippett—while an excellent coach, his team has failed to respond to him during the postseason, leading to his dismissal from the Stars. The last thing we need is a coach who cannot handle his squad in the postseason. Although Tippett has shown brilliance, he is unsuccessful when it counts, the playoffs. And he has had a talented team tune him out in the postseason.
Ron Wilson—the posterchild for a smart coach who couldn’t get it done in the playoffs. Even watching him in Toronto the past couple of seasons has been troublesome. He has a squad of young kids who will listen to him, but he can’t effectively put together a good team system. At least one that the team will execute. Once again, we don’t need a sharp coach who fails in the postseason. That is why the Sharks got rid of him, and I don’t want him on the Wings.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 01:23 PM ET
’m curious why you are for giving some skaters ice time to find a groove and improve confidence, but you’ve given Jimmah all of one month.Posted by Triple Deke Tyler
Sorry Herm, I missed the question mark (apparently implied)
Youngsters need a lot of ice time to develop. When Willy went down, that meant that going with the youngsters there was a lot of ice time for them finally available (Mule, Fil, and Willy). My response at that time was go with the youngsters instead of trading for a Veteran goalscorer as some of the 19 suggested.
Go back and check it out, same comment I said they should focus replacing Howard with experience.
Yeah I’m old, but I am consistent.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/17/09 at 01:29 PM ET
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Good stuff, Chief. I’ll give Bubba some respect for their cause, but not their team nor fans.
Combat stress = Shell shock
George Carlin had an amazing routine in the 90’s where he broke down how the term Shell Shocked has been changed over the years.
I hope all veterans get the treatment they need. Physical, emotional, and mental.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/17/09 at 08:19 AM ET