That’s six in seven, folks.
Curly Fries (as in “Curly Fries is on the ice.”): Heck of a game from the Future Captain. Five points, three goals and free Arby’s curly fries for everyone. Even aside from the goals, it was one of his best: he and his line were generating chances throughout the night and his hustle set the bar for everyone else.
Howard: I feel like he’s on the downswing. He allowed 2-3 weakish ones and was giving up rebounds that were as juicy as ever. I’m hoping Osgood is ready to go Wednesday.
Eaves: Maybe I just wasn’t paying close enough attention, but I noticed him only one time last night. Unless you recall him doing more, I think last night was a step backwards for him.
Leino: I thought he was maybe the second best Wing last night. No points, but he was at the center of most of the action generated by the Zetterberg like. He looked like a really good fit on that line for the first time.
Cleary: I’m starting to remember why I have his jersey. He’s returning to his spot as one of the hardest working players on the team. One goal and two assists from the guy last night.
Datsyuk: One goal last night and a 65% faceoff percentage. Hank deservedly will get the headlines today, but Pavel wasn’t far behind. I think both guys are obviously “on” now. Look out, NHL.
Posts: I didn’t keep count, but both teams hit the post multiple times last night. It could have been an even wilder night.
One line: And it’s a very good one. But if you can stop the Ducks’ top unit, you can stop the Ducks. Obviously, the Wings had trouble doing that last night but still. The Ducks could use some more depth.
Perry: Mickey Redmond was spouting off about how Perry was so respectful when he skated away from a fight with Ericsson when Jonny couldn’t get his helmet strap to come apart. Whatever, Mick. Perry was more concerned about his hands, no doubt. Respect and Perry are two words that don’t belong together.
Stuart: Heck of a night for Stuart, I thought. He saved a goal in the second when Howard was out of position and was at his best in other situations as well. Good to see him put out a night like that.
Second period: Yeah, they need to work on that. Great first period, wildish but strong third period contrasted with a pretty crappy second. Full games, guys.
Next up: Dallas on Wednesday. Always fun to see those guys.
I really don’t think Howard let in 3 bad goals. Getzlaf is going to score on that shot on any goalie in the league. I think most Wings fans don’t like Howard and it’s blinding their assessment of this kid. He has helped steady the ship and without him we’d be a mess. I know this kid will never win 4 cups or win 100 career games but he is a solid backup goalie.
Wait you hope Osgood is ready to go Wednesday?! Well I hope he isn’t. No offense to Ozzie but if I was Babs I’d be starting Howard against the Stars on Wednesday. Every goalie is gonna have a rocky start every now-and-then. Osgood has them all the time. Besides as long as the Wings win I could care less how many goals Howard/Osgood give up in a game.
I didn’t see the game, but I’ve been watching Jimmy for four years. He has streaks where is a top-notch goaltender, and generally they last longer than a game or two. Ozzie at his playoff best couldn’t stop shots from frat boy Getzlaf, so I don’t think we can really blame Howard. Sounds like an all-offense game, which generally means the defense isn’t working as hard as it should.
I’ve constantly been disappointed in Jimmy, but I still would like to see him do well. I agree with Keith, that he doesn’t always get the credit he deserves because he’s expected to fail. His case seems awfully familiar…like Ozzie, maybe?
Irregardless, the organization has invested so much into him and still believe he can succeed. Maybe he can, maybe he can’t. But right now, he is succeeding. And I am enjoying it. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but at the same time I’d like to stay positive. I say, he’s doing well, so yay!! Maybe it will last. Maybe Bedard has finally gotten to him. And maybe it’s another streak that will end. But I’m not assuming that and I’m hoping this Howard will be here for a while.
Wonderfully conscice Mr. Saler; I’ll be back here more often.