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If December’s The Real April? Then Jimmah Just Might Be Your Huckleberry
by IwoCPO on 12/18/09 at 08:30 AM ET
Comments (35)
Dammit. There I am with the question marks again. I hope that didn’t make any Wild bloggers cry, sputter than apologize this morning.
So. The Wings are down 9 starters. 9. That’s frigging insane. And yet they keep winning. Naturally, we haven’t read a negative word about Mike Babcock in weeks. That’s expected. Those folks tend to stay silent when Detroit’s doing well.
But something else is going on and it may be time we all sat up and took notice.
Jimmy Howard’s December stats, courtesy of the hopeful globetrotter, Herm:
4-2. 1.67 GAA. .944 save percentage. The kid, the same one who gave Charles Manson a face wash after an OT winner? The same kid who celebrates his first ever shutout by getting a stick caught in his skate? We’re talking the same kid none of us would have trusted to guard our fridge in October much less keep pucks out of the Wings net.
Detroit’s played 8 games this month. Howard’s started 6. The Wings have fluctuated from 11th to 9th to 8th in the Western Conference standings, so every night is important. Half the team is renting in Grand Rapids and we don’t even have to mention the Stress Train here anymore because we’ve all been aboard since Sweden.
Every game’s like a playoff game now. Isn’t that what TPH said the other night? Well? You wanna say it or should I?
Jimmy Howard’s your starter. Yes he is. Yep. Don’t start your sputtering and tip tapping. He is and you know it.
These games are important. Every one. And there he is. The roster is decimated and Uncle Mike needs strength in net every single game…and there he is. Four days between games? Howard. One night between games? Howard.
The playoffs are here bitches. They are here now. And Jimmy Howard is getting the nod almost every night.
Why? You saw December’s stats. Well, Herm also gave us October’s and November’s. And guess what? The kid is getting better. And he’s getting better fast.
October: 1-2-1. 3.42 GAA. .879. Ugly. Fauxing Ugly. Depressing. Bring in Toskala for god’s sake.
November: 6-2. 2.10 GAA. .923. Whoa…what’s happening? Jimmah’s getting better. But screw it. Bring us Biron, Kenny.
And now? Combine December and November and we’re looking at 10-4, about 1.90 and a save percentage of around .935.
Dallas and two with Chicago coming up. Big games. As big as they come before Santa reminds us what Christmas is really about. Guess who’s gonna start two, if not all? Jimmah.
Chris Osgood is healthy, as far as the Diggers tell us. But he’s not the guy Uncle Mike is turning to now that times are tough. He just isn’t. Howard’s started 19 games. Osgood: 17.
Save percentage, winning percentage, goals against: all pale compared to Howard’s.
This isn’t last year. This is not a matter of Uncle Mike whipping his Conk out while the Wings have a big division lead and sitting comfortably somewhere atop the West. This is real and it’s dangerous. And he’s letting Jimmah take the reigns.
Every game matters. Every single one. And while we continue to make adversity our bitch? Howard keeps getting better and better. The pressure’s on now and nobody’s saying it’s going to equal what he sees in April or May. But you know as well as I do that it’s going to be tougher and tougher to point to Osgood’s last two playoffs and say, “Ozzie is our guy and that’s it, that’s all.”
Who would have thought it? Little Jimmah Howard. Starting goaltender for the best team in hockey.
And yeah, I mean that. The Best Team In Hockey. Good teams don’t overcome what the Wings are dealing with. Great teams do. Organ-I-zational dynasties do.
Jimmah’s your Huckleberry. A changing of the guard.
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Comments
Good teams don’t overcome what the Wings are dealing with. Great teams do. Organ-I-zational dynasties do.
If “great” teams overcome injuries to climb up into 8th place in the conference, what’s the superlative to be used when a team overcomes injuries but still leads the NHL in points?
Posted by HNBCTB on 12/18/09 at 08:50 AM ET
GA/G 2.53 (8th in the league)
PK% 81.2 (14th in the league)
I think the Wings have killed something like 39 out of 40 or whatever and the last PP goal the Wings gave up has OsBAD(HAHAHAHAHA) in net. Could’ve just been coincidence, the shot was tipped on the goal that Osgood let in.
Now here’s the real question and forgive me if this has been brought up, but does Brad McCrimmon get a reprieve? Or are we just chalking it up to Babcock taking (back?) more control and stealing Jacques Lemaire’s PK strategy?
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 08:50 AM ET
If “great” teams overcome injuries to climb up into 8th place in the conference, what’s the superlative to be used when a team overcomes injuries but still leads the NHL in points?
The superlative for that comes from the Mayans: It’s what they refer to as: The Eastern Conference.
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 08:52 AM ET
Naturally, we haven’t read a negative word about Mike Babcock in weeks. That’s expected. Those folks tend to stay silent when Detroit’s doing well.
No Chief. At least not me.
I spoke my piece already, and I said I’m going to wait and see Babcock prove me wrong. I’ll wait to see if he can salvage points out of all these injuries, and then after that wait to see if he can then bring guys back into the lineup effectively as they can back from injury. THi sis till a small sample size of wins here to really get too excited (I mean, I’m excited they’re getting these points, but not assuming there are more to come yet).
You’re right, I’m not actively on Mike’s case, but it doesn’t mean I’m really convinced yet.
I think a better question is “Where are all the McCrimmon haters?”
But yes, Jimmy is yours and my starting goalie for the moment. No doubt about it after last night.
Posted by Primis on 12/18/09 at 08:57 AM ET
Jimmah was NHL’s 1st star of the night for the second time. Which means he was the 1st star two more times than MGD or whatever we call Miller Lite’s brother.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 12/18/09 at 09:00 AM ET
Osgood is our pony in the playoffs, if we make them.
Howard is being played because Uncle Mike sees the daily improvement, and wants to give Jimmy every possible chance to develop to his potential. And Jimmy has responded.
The organ-I-zation needs an accurate idea of Howard’s potential. The first month he struggled and seemed doomed for the waiver wire in the future. As you point out Herm and Chief, since the first month Howard has been lights out. Maybe even Calder trophy worthy.
Much to our surprise, we may have a trio of new goaltending talent coming up through the ranks. At his current level of play, Howard could be the next Ozzie. And I am very excited about McCollum and Larsson who have shown great potential already.
Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 12/18/09 at 09:01 AM ET
You’re right, I’m not actively on Mike’s case, but it doesn’t mean I’m really convinced yet.
I don’t want to completely change the subject, but not convinced of what?
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 09:03 AM ET
That’s crazy. There are 7 teams in the East that if you took their point totals and moved them to the West, they’d be tied or hold to themselves dead last in the conference.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 12/18/09 at 09:04 AM ET
if he carries on like this, touchwood, he could be a serious contender for the Calder, and yes he is eligble before you ask…
him, Rask and Varlamov are the old Rookie tenders playing often, and desipte his bad start he stats are close to theirs, and none of the rookie forwards or defensemen are setting the world alight…
Posted by Pharazon from England on 12/18/09 at 09:06 AM ET
And the SuperSwede will overcome a promotional curse, relax.
If anyone can do that, Herm, then The Perfect Human can.
And I championed Howard when everyone was doubting, even in the preseason. And yeah, I’m impressed. The two losses he has in December? Not his fault—he only let in one goal in each, and our whiskey-dick offense couldn’t help him out at all. Yeah. I’m impressed. He’s improving every month, and all he seems to need is more starts in net to grow his confidence and get better and better. Hell, if he keeps improving at the rate he is, he could be in contention for the Calder at the end of the season, rather than Leino who would have been the safe pick.
But…
I championed him. So now I’ll sound the note of caution. He’s still a young inexperienced NHL goalie. He’s playing well, but that’s not to say he’ll play every game well. He’ll have bad games. He’ll be pulled from some. EVERY young goalie has consistency issues, and he’s no different. Just don’t throw him under the bus after a bad game, a flubbed save or two, a bad goal or a positional error. Leave that shit to others. If we’re going to develop our first real homegrown starting goalie since Ozzie, we’ll have to be patient. If he inspires confidence in the team, we’ll have to reciprocate. Sure, we can piss and moan if he isn’t playing so well. But keep the faith, motherf*ckers.
It’s great to see him playing so well. But he’s not superhuman. Remember this time the next time you want to tear his head off.
Ozzie’s still the starter come playoff time. Now he’s resting.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 12/18/09 at 09:07 AM ET
That’s crazy. There are 7 teams in the East that if you took their point totals and moved them to the West, they’d be tied or hold to themselves dead last in the conference
I don’t think you’re appreciating how many bad teams there are in the Eastern Conference. It shows, every year.
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 09:07 AM ET
You’re right, I’m not actively on Mike’s case, but it doesn’t mean I’m really convinced yet.
3 Trips to the WCF in the last 3 years, 2 victories at that stage, 2 trips to the SCF in that last 2 years, and one cup.
The last three years have proven Uncle Mike is the real deal. WTF does he need to do? Lay in a tomb for three days and then rise from the dead?
Posted by wingsfanindenver on 12/18/09 at 09:10 AM ET
I don’t think you’re appreciating how many bad teams there are in the Eastern Conference. It shows, every year.
and they get the high draft picks, yet never get better
Posted by Pharazon from England on 12/18/09 at 09:10 AM ET
I like VooX, won’t promote Jimmah to #1 either. He’s definately headed in the right direction, but the pressure cooker isn’t even up to temperature.
Yes, he’s trending the right way & playing with confidence but nothing that every NHL level netminder shouldn’t do nightly. He’s holding strong with a depleted rostermuch to his credit, but he’s not my Huckleberry…. yet.
Oz has his head shoved where he sits again this regular season, he’s either on of off & no in between. Will he find the STFU switch again at some point this season?
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/09 at 09:12 AM ET
On a happier note - is the game in April the desgnated “A2Y Get Together for Everyone Who Can Possibly Make the Drive/Flight/Walk to Detroit?”
And I’ll chip in for airfare to help Herm see a game in person for the first time, too.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 12/18/09 at 07:21 AM ET
“The game in April”, which one? I’m in, regardless.
Missed out on the end of the LB last night as my modem took a steamer in the middle of the game & I’m too lazy to read the rest of the LB.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 12/18/09 at 09:15 AM ET
don’t want to completely change the subject, but not convinced of what?
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 09:03 AM ET
That Babcock is the foundation of the on-ice success with his strategies, line combos, and motivation. All these injuries are Babcock’s chance to prove that, with a depleted lineup and less talent, he can still take the Wings to success.
Posted by Primis on 12/18/09 at 09:28 AM ET
I’ll wait to see if he can salvage points out of all these injuries
Posted by Primis on 12/18/09 at 08:57 AM ET
Well just WTF do you call 8 straight points with a roster change and another starter going out every night? JFC.
Right now if the Wings make the playoffs Uncle Mike is hands down Coach of the Year. No other team has a 70% roster upheaval like the Wings.
This is masterful coaching and leadership, and if you haven’t heard, he WAS NHL Coach of the Decade for many reasons.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 12/18/09 at 09:28 AM ET
Jimmy said Coach can have the game puck even though it was his first career shutout because Babs’ No. 300 “is a bigger accomplishment than mine”.
Good for you, J. Howard.
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 12/17/09 at 10:05 PM ET
And the kids got character.
Red Wings character.
.
“Broken Wings”
Andreas Lilja
Johan Franzen
Valtteri Filppula
Jason Williams
Niklas Kronwall
Dan Cleary
Darren Helm
Jonathan Ericsson
and now…
Henrik Zetterberg
u-n-b-e-l-i-e-v-a-b-l-e
“It seems like it won’t stop for us,” Nicklas Lidstrom told Sporting News. “It seems like there’s someone every other game for us.”
Next?
(I know. A sick thought, huh?)
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 12/18/09 at 09:34 AM ET
Next?
(I know. A sick thought, huh?)
As I posted in the last post - there is a very short screen shot at the 19 second mark of that promotional showing a goal celebration. You can see Kronwall, someone tall (presumably E), Draper, and Eaves.
My call is now Draper, face, 2 games.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 12/18/09 at 09:42 AM ET
That Babcock is the foundation of the on-ice success with his strategies, line combos, and motivation. All these injuries are Babcock’s chance to prove that, with a depleted lineup and less talent, he can still take the Wings to success.
I think that’s silly, and you could apply the same skepticism to Lidstrom, Datsyuk and Zetterberg as well.
Posted by Heaton on 12/18/09 at 09:46 AM ET
Maybe all these injuries is our way of avoiding “the Olympic’s fatigue curse” and be fresh for the playoff drive?
(Sorry. Trying to find a silver lining.)
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 12/18/09 at 09:47 AM ET
My work load is seriously fuching with the important things in life.
No time for brilliant analysis, nor vomting.
Jimmah rocks?
And I’ll give it up to McCrimmon, for the moment.
Conference Standings: G/P, PTS
1 San Jose Sharks 35 47
2 Chicago Blackhawks 32 45
3 Calgary Flames 34 44
4 Los Angeles Kings 37 47
5 Nashville Predators 35 45
6 Phoenix Coyotes 35 44
7 Colorado Avalanche 36 44
8 Detroit Red Wings 34 41
——————————————————————
9 Dallas Stars 34 39
10 Vancouver Canucks 34 38
11 Minnesota Wild 34 37
Division G/P PTS
Chicago Blackhawks 32 45
Nashville Predators 35 45
Detroit Red Wings 34 41
Columbus Blue Jackets 35 35
Huge games, I guess they all are now.
Saturday matinee at DAL (3-3-4 last 10), who is nipping at the Wings heels.
Sunday at CHI (6-3-1 last 10), nuff said about that (thanks for that scheduling Gary). Then CHI at the JLA on the 23rd.
I’ll miss the L/B on Sat - - shopping mall madness.
But I’m thinking it is time to resurrect the GDT.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/18/09 at 09:54 AM ET
Osgood is our [Happy] pony in the playoffs
.
Fixed - - hmmm new nickname for Jimmah?
During the Ell Bee lst night, someone mentioned we need a moniker for Eaves; ideas? Buehler, Buehler?
Sorry T-Bone, I just cannot grasp “Larry”, though it may take flight with the “19”
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 12/18/09 at 09:59 AM ET
There I am with the question marks again. I hope that didn’t make any Wild bloggers cry, sputter than apologize this morning.
They are too busy banning people from thier sites and then having the audacity to lie about doing it.
Posted by Wings_Fan_In_KC from ...somewhere southwest of The Motor City... on 12/18/09 at 10:01 AM ET
Get the kid some exposure while we can. Come playoff time…
Ozzie = Happy Pony. Giddyup.
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, when in doubt, pinky out on 12/18/09 at 10:04 AM ET
JeffOKWingNut
Larry was dismissed by all the 19. Still, he’s Larry to me.
About Howard, well, Howie is an obvious one, but I’m all against the short name.
If you read something I said about him, you’ll know if I’m prasing him or bashing just because of the first name: James or Jimmy.
Tell me, would you vote Billy Clinton for president?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 12/18/09 at 10:13 AM ET
Howard already has a nickname.
It’s Jimmah. JIMMAH when he does something good.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/18/09 at 10:18 AM ET
I knew Jimmah had it in him 3 years ago. Some thought he took to long to develop, and grew impatient. But, as you all know, that is not how the dynasty rolls. They take their time with players. Now at 25, seasoned, and recently married, he is settled. All he needed was a legitimate chance to play.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 12/18/09 at 11:05 AM ET
I like VooX, won’t promote Jimmah to #1 either.
I won’t either. I think we all know that Ozzie’s our starter if the playoffs were to start today, tomorrow or in April.
This is Babcock riding Jimmah because a) he’s the hot hand and b) to make sure that his good play isn’t a fluke. We all know Ozzie won’t be around forever and Babs and Tick Tock don’t want to have to find another goalie in the off-season as they’ve already got some decisions to make.
It’s also (and I believe this was true last year with Conkblock) them making sure that Jimmah would be capable of taking over should they need him to take over late in the season or the playoffs.
Jimmy said Coach can have the game puck even though it was his first career shutout because Babs’ No. 300 “is a bigger accomplishment than mine”.
This kid fuching rules.
With Helm and Ericsson nursing injuries, methinks Jimmah might be the one who’s having his way with our women over the Christmas holidays…
Posted by Garth on 12/18/09 at 11:58 AM ET
This is Babcock riding Jimmah because a) he’s the hot hand and b) to make sure that his good play isn’t a fluke. We all know Ozzie won’t be around forever and Babs and Tick Tock don’t want to have to find another goalie in the off-season as they’ve already got some decisions to make.
And that’s why they’re the best organ-I-zation in hockey,.
Posted by Wings_Fan_In_KC from ...somewhere southwest of The Motor City... on 12/18/09 at 12:57 PM ET
Good point. Babcock will never win his 300th game again, and if luck is with Howard, he may very well have a few more significant shutouts before his career is over.
He is certainly the starter now, but in the playoffs? That will depend on if he keeps this up or hits the infamous rookie wall and tires a bit. I think that all his years in the AHL will help him with that, though. He’s not an 18-year-old kid anymore.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 12/18/09 at 01:06 PM ET
On a happier note - is the game in April the desgnated “A2Y Get Together for Everyone Who Can Possibly Make the Drive/Flight/Walk to Detroit?”
And I’ll chip in for airfare to help Herm see a game in person for the first time, too.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 12/18/09 at 07:21 AM ET
When is that April game? I have to put in vacation on Monday and it’d be cool to try to make it to that event. I have never been to the Joe. Yes, that is correct. The UC is my closest arena (super fun in enemy territory). I’ll chip in for Herm too.
Posted by jennyquarx on 12/18/09 at 01:28 PM ET
Im glad I did this when I did: (fantasy)
Dec 1 1:57am Jimmy Howard (Det - G) Add Free Agents Dangle Dangle fuzzy
Dec 1 1:57am Jonas Gustavsson (Tor - G) Drop Waivers Dangle Dangle fuzzy
Took a gamble on “the monster” and he sucks (unless he is playing us). So I needed some help bad and Howard had a pretty good November so wtf. Jimmah is making me look wise, and that’s pretty hard to do.
Thanks Jimmah!!
Posted by Behind_Enemy_Lines from somewhere in the North....Winter Is Coming on 12/18/09 at 04:12 PM ET
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As a Red Wings fan, I’m thrilled that Jimmah is performing so well. On a personal note, I’m really happy for Jimmah, who’s had his ups and downs in the organ-i-zation.
Still, Osgood’s the playoff guy and nothing short of injury will stop that.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 12/18/09 at 08:36 AM ET