In the past shootouts loses rested heavily on Howard forgetting how to stop any breakaways. Earlier in his career he was quite decent in the shootout.


Also there appears to be a Babcock effect for the shootouts for Toronto is now struggling mightily in the shootout. You know, just like Detroit during the last couple years he was there.


Take for example Datsyuk's shootout numbers.

2008-09: 5/10
2009-10: 7/14
2010-11: 2/4
2011-12: 5/11
2012-13: 2/7
2013-14: 2/8
2014-15: 3/11
2015-16: 2/7

Why were his numbers so poor the previous 4 seasons? It is not because his skills regressed and his hands got slower. Datsyuk basically had 3 shootout moves. Most teams do enough scouting that they could easily figure this out. If the goalie knows what the 3 moves are, it makes it considerably easier to read the play. Datsyuk became complacent and just continued doing the same 2/3 moves over and over again instead of trying something new.

Move 1: Fake right go left with forehand
Move 2: Fake left go right with backhand (was great at picking it off the post)
Move 3: Fake left, toe drag, forehand shot on right (The breakaway goal)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3JsPRgBeg

Jimmy Howard Shootout Stats

Save Percentage
2016-17: 83.3 2W 0L
2015-16: 55.6 0W 2L
2014-15: 46.9 2W 8L
2013-14: 69.2 3W 5L
2012-13: 57.9 1W 5L
2011-12: 81.5 7W 2L
2010-11: 88.2 3W 2L
2009-10: 68.5 5W 7L

67-68% is about the average save percentage in the shootout.

When a goalie is performing well below this mark he is SIGNIFICANTLY at fault for a team's failure in the shootout.

Mrazek

2016-17: 80.0 4W 0L
2015-16: 66.7 2W 3L
2014-15: 66.7 2W 2L

Hasek (in Detroit)

2007-08: 75.0 3W 2L
2006-07: 50.0 1W 5L