Wings back in 8th !!!

[UMRules06]

I would honestly start Mrazek but have a real short leash with him. If he gives up 2 goals you can pull him. First of all, it gives Howard a bit of a rest, which he could use on a back to back. Secondly it might give Mrazek a bit of a confidence boost that he sorely needs right now to know that he's trusted in a big game.

 

[biggunsbob]

It's ok by me. Give Howard some rest for Saturday and maybe PM finds his game. But my guess is jeff will start Howard.

 

[tbone413]

nah this is the biggest game of the season - biggest regular season game in a longgggg time. You play Howard. he has earned it and has been fantastic as of late. He has played the fewest games of his career this season, so should be perfectly capable of playing on back to back nights.

I have confidence in Mrazek, but I think Howard has earned the right to start every game the rest of the season.

 

[UMRules06]

Howard's always been streaky, and I don't trust him especially in the playoffs if we make it. He isn't a young pup anymore either. There's arguments both ways, but I still think the kid should get a chance to earn some confidence back going into the playoffs.

If Mrazek can stand tall against Boston now he's feeling good and ready to go knowing he just clinched a playoff spot for the team. If he gives up a couple goals early, well then you have no choice but to go back to Howard. This is not a do-or-die game. You have a little bit of flexibility.

 

[dubbsco]

Not sure age really matters in the discussion between the two. Howard's 32 years old, goalies can play into their 40s.

 

[tbone413]

Howard's always been streaky, and I don't trust him especially in the playoffs if we make it. He isn't a young pup anymore either. There's arguments both ways, but I still think the kid should get a chance to earn some confidence back going into the playoffs.

If Mrazek can stand tall against Boston now he's feeling good and ready to go knowing he just clinched a playoff spot for the team. If he gives up a couple goals early, well then you have no choice but to go back to Howard. This is not a do-or-die game. You have a little bit of flexibility.

Personally, I dont think there is any way Mrazek is named the starter for the Playoffs (assuming they get in). Unless Howard starts this game and gets shelled, and Mrazek stands on his head.

Howard has (rightfully) earned the chance to get first crack at the Playoffs, and I think that's the smart move. The thing with Howie is he is plays like a Top 5 goalie in the league or the absolute worst goalie in the NHL, there is literally no middle ground with him. Right now he is playing outstanding, and the Wings would be wise to ride him as long as they can, and hope for the best. If Howard falters in the playoffs, no problem - bring in the Kid. Mrazek is much more level headed and can handle coming in as a backup and taking over a series.

Plus, this gives other teams a chance to see that Howard can still be a very good goalie in this league, and hopefully brings his trade value up from absolutely zero to at least some interest. The wings are an average team, making the playoffs will not suddenly change the problems this team has. Mrazek is an RFA this season, and you can be sure the wings will lock him up for around $3-4mil/season. Howard is already making $5.5m/season. You cannot keep both. The Wings need as much cap room as possible to try and improve the Offense and Defense next year. Getting rid of Howard is a must, and him playing well is the best thing that could happen for the wings.

 

[UMRules06]

Nobody said Howard can't play anymore. It's a back to back though. Fatigue is an issue, and it's been statistically shown that goalies do not perform as well when they play on back to back nights. There is also an increased risk of injury, which Howard has been bitten by before.

I don't mind going with either guy. If I were the coach I would start Mrazek though for the reasons I outlined.

 

[UMRules06]

Be careful what you wish for is all I'm saying. I've believed in Howard before only to watch him crash and burn. Only a few months ago people thought he was pretty much washed up. He's also an under .500 goalie for his playoff career. It's great that he's been hot, but it won't last. The kid needs to be ready to go.

 

[tbone413]

Ya I understand. Like I said if Mrazek gets the nod tonight I'm fine with it. He should start one of these last two games for sure, just to "stay sharp".

I think Mrazek is a better goalie than Howard no doubt. But for whatever reason he has struggled badly ever since his birthday in mid Feburary. Whether it's fatigue (he's never played this many games before), an injury, or its mental I don't know, but Howard has outplayed him recently. The wings aren't going to win the cup this season, so you might as well see if Howard can perform at a relatively high level and regain some of his trade value. If he faulters (which could very well happen) then pull him and see if Mrazek can work some magic / save the series.

 

[UMRules06]

I think Mrazek's issues are mainly mental. Those two games against Chicago where they absolutely lit him up seem to be the main culprit in my eyes. He's a bit of a cocky guy, and you can see his swagger definitely left him after those two games against the Blackhawks. The only way to overcome mental issues is to get back in the saddle and prove to yourself that you're still a great goaltender. That's another reason why I think tonight's game would be perfect for him to do just that.

As far as the wings winning the cup goes..they have as good a chance as anybody. Washington just does not scare me as they are proven playoff chokers. I fear Pittsburgh in the east and that's about it. Low seeds can make it to the finals and even win the cup in the NHL. To do so you need a goalie who can steal you games, and that's more than likely going to be Mrazek rather than Howard.

I get the Howard trade value thing. That's just a distant second on my priority list right now.

 

[Mitchrapp]

You don't play someone, a game this big, just so they can get confidence back. And if he fails?

 

[UMRules06]

Then go back to Howard? People are making this game out like it's game 7 of the finals. It isn't. Even worst case scenario they lose in regulation they still control their own destiny. I even specifically said if Mrazek lets in a few goals early then yank him.

The Wings best chance to go far in the playoffs is with a fully confident Mrazek in net. That is my personal opinion. Howard's hot streak will not last. We've seen it too often before.

Again if they start Howard I will not shed any tears about it. This is just what I would do.

I can turn the question around and ask what if Howard fails tonight? It is a back to back after all. Statistics clearly show goalies don't do as well on those occasions.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Then go back to Howard? People are making this game out like it's game 7 of the finals. It isn't. Even worst case scenario they lose in regulation they still control their own destiny. I even specifically said if Mrazek lets in a few goals early then yank him.

The Wings best chance to go far in the playoffs is with a fully confident Mrazek in net. That is my personal opinion. Howard's hot streak will not last. We've seen it too often before.

Again if they start Howard I will not shed any tears about it. This is just what I would do.

I can turn the question around and ask what if Howard fails tonight? It is a back to back after all. Statistics clearly show goalies don't do as well on those occasions.

I've watched hockey for a long time. My understanding, play the hot guy until he's not hot anymore then make a switch.

 

[UMRules06]

I've watched hockey for a long time. My understanding, play the hot guy until he's not hot anymore then make a switch.

Fair enough. Maybe Howard can prove me wrong. 5 years of playoff runs under him and the team is under .500 and never made it out of the second round all tells me he won't.

And we're talking about a guy who we all feel the wings should trade anyway. What's the point of starting him in the playoffs if nobody even feels the wings will go far anyway? Shouldn't we let Mrazek take his lumps and get some playoff experience at least?

 

[UMRules06]

I feel like we're watching Spike Albrecht nail a bunch of 3's at a crucial time and now all of a sudden we think he's Michael Jordan. I don't buy it.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Fair enough. Maybe Howard can prove me wrong. 5 years of playoff runs under him and the team is under .500 and never made it out of the second round all tells me he won't.

And we're talking about a guy who we all feel the wings should trade anyway. What's the point of starting him in the playoffs if nobody even feels the wings will go far anyway? Shouldn't we let Mrazek take his lumps and get some playoff experience at least?

Who gives us the best chance vs Boston? Howard who has played well as of late or Mrazek who has played like shit? Imo, easy decision.

If you don't care if we win a playoff series then get him some playoff experience.

 

[dubbsco]

That's a pretty bad comparison. Howard's been a finalist for the Calder and was named to an All-Star team. He's not a world beater, but he's shown to be a pretty solid goalie. Yeah he's streaky, but so is Mrazek.

 

[Mitchrapp]

If Howard struggles early, make the switch back.

 

[UMRules06]

If Howard struggles early, make the switch back.

Thats what i said about mrazek lol. So thats the answer to your question.

And to Dubbs howard has had 5 cracks at the playoffs. Hes had his chances and now everybody wants to go back and try him again when he is cleary not the future of this franchise. I dont get it. The spike albrecht analogy was to point out to not let a hot streak fool you as to what a players true capabilities are.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Thats what i said about mrazek lol. So thats the answer to your question.

And to Dubbs howard has had 5 cracks at the playoffs. Hes had his chances and now everybody wants to go back and try him again when he is cleary not the future of this franchise. I dont get it. The spike albrecht analogy was to point out to not let a hot streak fool you as to what a players true capabilities are.

Its to use the hot guy now. The one playing better. It's hockey 101.