Ok, let's make a scenario. We sign Cloutier to two-way deal, send him to AHL and then what?
Can se still send McCollum to some junior level to be a 1st goalie somewhere?
If not, this does not make any sense. 3 goalies in AHL?
Then Howard will be traded or something, but I don't believe that happen before we check it out. Then maybe trade at deadline for somebody if Jimmy flops. But Cloutier?
I don't get it. Please, tell me what's behind this?
Ok, let's make a scenario. We sign Cloutier to two-way deal, send him to AHL and then what?
Can se still send McCollum to some junior level to be a 1st goalie somewhere?
Actually McCollum can still play one more season in the OHL as an over age player. Send him back to Brampton who is likely going to be going through a rebuilding season. They would likely move him for other assets to an OHL/Memorial Cup contender (Windsor needs a goaltender).
Actually McCollum can still play one more season in the OHL as an over age player. Send him back to Brampton who is likely going to be going through a rebuilding season. They would likely move him for other assets to an OHL/Memorial Cup contender (Windsor needs a goaltender).
Okay, there is a chance. Of course Kenny is using this. He sends McCollum to Windsor and sings Cloutier as emergency back-up if Howard can't handle the show. Cloutier will start in ALL and/if we need him up, we'll get him up.
Howard is not the answer. I bet by the Olympic break Howard is not up with the big team. So maybe the DRW should sign Cloutier to a two way contract for the following: A) have a NHL goalie and B) maybe push Howard.
Howard is not the answer. I bet by the Olympic break Howard is not up with the big team. So maybe the DRW should sign Cloutier to a two way contract for the following: A) have a NHL goalie and B) maybe push Howard.
i'm not a big fan of howard either, but what makes cloutier a better goalie than him? look at cloutiers stats the last 3-4 seasons. it's awful.
and pushing howard is a good idea, but actually that's what babcock does already. they want howard to feel the pressure. it seems that they want to test him.
Quote:
Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard might be out of minor league options, but Detroit coach Mike Babcock said that excuse won't guarantee him a backup role behind Chris Osgood.
Babcock told told WZAM's Sports Pen that Daniel Larsson, who was drafted by the Red Wings with the 92nd overall pick in 2006, is giving Howard a run for his money.
“(Larsson) is knocking on the door,” Babcock said. “Howard and he both played in the AHL last year and his numbers were every bit as good as Howard.
“(Larsson) has been the goaltender of the year before in Sweden. It’s not like he’s a kid – we thought he played real well for us the other day and made some big plays.”
i'm not a big fan of howard either, but what makes cloutier a better goalie than him? look at cloutiers stats the last 3-4 seasons. it's awful.
In my own opinion, I'll give Cloutier the benefit of the doubt based on NHL experience. Most of that is not good, but from 01-04, he did average over 30 wins in each of those three seasons. For as bad as he's been in the playoffs, I'd honestly be more comfortable with him as the backup as opposed to Howard, especially if Osgood goes down, because, at the very least, he's proven before he can win games in the regular season.
Also, one other thing... you bring up Cloutier's last three seasons on how terrible he is, but look at the team he was playing on. If the Kings were such a good team being held back by bad goaltending, then they would have made the playoffs last season, since Cloutier did not play for them (but, they didn't).
I have a soft spot for Cloutier...
I always thought he got a raw deal for the defensive collapses in front of him over those playoff series... specifically the Minny game 6 and 7... The Detroit series was all Wings coming to life and dominating on their way to the cup... the Lidstrom goal has been unfairly (imo) used as the face of that canuck demise... not true when you actually watch how the series unfolded.
He got a pretty fat contract in LA he was unable to perform up to because of the team in front of him and injuries...
If injuries are truly in the rear view mirror for him, Wings fan should be pleasantly pleased with his performance as a backup.
On top of it all... he's a prime locker room guy... team favorite... emotional and competitive as the best of them...
I'm hoping the best for him and looking forward to watching him play in the NHL again....
Those highlights of Cloutier scrumming in the rangers game was nostalgic as hell! hopefully he keeps it going...
A lot of Wings fans are going to be watching Grand Rapids closely this season, at least in the early goings. Tatar has just a handful of games to prove he can win a top line spot with the Griffins.
If he can, he might get some time playing with Abdelkader in the Rapids, which would be great for the Wings.
A lot of Wings fans are going to be watching Grand Rapids closely this season, at least in the early goings. Tatar has just a handful of games to prove he can win a top line spot with the Griffins.
If he can, he might get some time playing with Abdelkader in the Rapids, which would be great for the Wings.
Boooo I selfishly wanted Tatar to play in Plymouth which is like 10 minutes from where I live
