An early exit from the playoffs can drive a person to drink (more). Me ? It made me create this blog. There are so many putting in their 2¢ worth, and most of them aren't worth that much, so I thought now would be a good time for me to join the 21st Century and add my voice to the throng. There are already predictions of how Ken Holland is going to change the team to make it better. and some of them are so outrageous I won't even bother posting a link.
Todays entry will tackle the easy part ... Goaltending.
Unfortunately, last years prediction came true and Ozzy yoinked a groin which gave Joey Mac half a chance to strut his stuff. Was it enough to prove he deserves a shot at being the full time #2 or will The Holy Trinity (Holland, Nil, and Babcock) decide to go free agent shopping and duplicate the miracle Stevie Y pulled off in Tampa ??
Will Holland try to finish the Nabokov deal by wrestling him away from the Islanders ?? Will he bring back Ty Conklin ?? Other options could be Marty Turco (chi.) or Craig Anderson (col.) or Tomas Vokoun (fla.) ... but when push comes to shove, I'm all in favor of re-signing MacDonald.
His numbers while a member of the Grand Rapids Griffins are just epic, he shut US out when he was a member of the NY Islanders, and last seasons 2.21 GAA and .924 save percentage all speak volumes as to why he deserves a shot at being Tim Thomas v2.0.
The familiar tandem of McCollum & Pearce will once again share the #2 spot in Grand Rapids. Daniel Larsson played fairly well back in Sweden last season, but did he take a step forward? The Red Wings own his rights for one more year before a decision has to be made as to re-sign him or cut ties.
Bottom line ... Howard has answered the bell and proven he has what it takes to be Detroit's #1 for years to come. Petr Mrazek could give him a run for his money, but that's a few years off. Who backs Jimmy up come October is relatively inconsequential at this point. It just depends on how much money you want to spend and how far past 100 points you want to go.
For my full team evaluation, complete with graphics, go here: http://www.s91145982.onlinehome.us/hockey/DRW1112.htm
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