Wings back in 8th !!!

[UMRules06]

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

As a rule of thumb? Sure, but there are always special circumstances to consider. We are ignoring the back to back aspect of this as well though. I didnt just make this up. Goalies do not play well in a back to back situation. That is also hockey 101

 

[dubbsco]

Spike's "hot streak" was over a 10 minute span. Howard's gone for a few games now. I get where you are going with it, but you need to roll with him until he cools off.

Not only that, but something is wrong with Petr. He's not completely healthy.

 

[UMRules06]

If its a health issue with mrazek then thats a different story. Bottom line i dont have a problem going with howard tonight. I get the reasoning and he has been great lately. I just worry about fools gold.

 

[tbone413]

I want to be clear I dont think Howard has a future with the Wings. I think Mrazek is going to be the goalie going forward, for many years to come. I just think Howard has played better the last 1.5 months of the season, and has earned the right to start the playoffs. I also think the Wings are extremely 'lucky' that Howard decided to play like an NHL goalie again, and would be wise to try and use this to their advantage down the line...

Best Case Scenario: Howard plays the best hockey of his Career and has an '03 Gigu?re type Playoff Run in him. Wings either win the cup or make it to the finals. Howards trade value sky rockets and we ship him off to a team for some prospsects. Mrazek is signed to a team friendly extension ($2-3mil/year) is inserted as the starter going forward, and we sign a vet to the minimum to back him up.

Worst Case Scenario: Howard shits the bed and the Wings go down 0-2 right off the bat. Mrazek comes in but its too little too late and they lose in the first round of the playoffs. Howards trade value is right back to what it was 2 months ago (Zero) and now you have to figure out what to do with Mrazek, who needs to get extended this offseason.

Now if Mrazek Starts in the Playoffs:

Best Case Scenario: Mrazek regains his early season form, plays at a conn smythe level and the Wings Win the Cup. Mrazek solidifies himself as a top 5 goalie in the league and as such, is in line for a big time raise from the Wings as an RFA. Wings offer him a similar contract they gave Howard. Meanwhile Howards trade value is ruined (or severely diminished) and so the Wing are forced to hold onto him, and now have $11million tied up in goalies. Eliminating their chances at doing anything substantial in F/A.


I just think the 'upside' to starting Howard (and having him perform well) outweighs the upside to starting Mrazek and having him preform well.

 

[Mitchrapp]

What about the Worst - Worst case scenario. Howard shits the bed, down 0-2, Mrazek comes in and shits the best just as bed or worse 0-4.

 

[tbone413]

What about the Worst - Worst case scenario. Howard shits the bed, down 0-2, Mrazek comes in and shits the best just as bed or worse 0-4.

Honestly, I think that is more likely than either 'best case scenarios' lol.

But I would be a very sad Red Wings fan if that did happen....my hope is its somewhere in the middle of those scenarios.