Tag: goalie

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The Detroit Red Wings have faith in goalie Filip Larsson

Embed from Getty Images Filip Larsson is preparing for his first pro season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. If it is anything like his final two seasons as an amateur, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings fans will be delighted.

Playing at the University of Denver,  Larsson went 13-6-3, with a 1.95 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. Previously, Larsson was named USHL goaltender of the year by the league’s general managers, going 18-10-0, with a 1.65 GAA, .941 save percentage and seven shutouts for Tri-City, in what was described as one of the best seasons by a goalie in USHL history.

Detroit Red Wings fans wonder is Filip Could Larsson arrive in Detroit in 2020-21? He insists he is only focused on getting better. His numbers suggest that will not be an issue.

Larsson has progressed each season since the Red Wings drafted him in the sixth round in 2016, particularly with his hands and stickwork. Larsson said he’s working with Red Wings goalie development coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson which has helped a lot in his development.

“I played good at every level the last three years, so I think to get that next step is just going to be fun and I’m ready to take that,” Filip Larsson said. The fact that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman did not make a move at goalie sends a clear signal Filip Larrson is the goalie of the future.

At just 20 years old, the young goalie has made waves in hockey inner circles. Teams asked about him in potential trades. The Red Wings said no and were wise to do so.

Last summer, Larrson missed development camp because he was still recovering from an injury suffered in February 2018. He had surgery last September.  He is in Detroit this summer for prospect camp.

Filip Larsson said he plans to go back to Sweden after development camp wraps up Saturday, and then return in a month to train. One of his goals is to prepare for facing better shooters

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Goalie Jimmy Howard expected to sign a one year extension with the Detroit Red Wings

 Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings are expected to announce a one year extension for longtime Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard at some point this week. The deal is believed to in the $4 million dollar range.

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Howard 64th overall in 2003, he recently played his 500th game and has professed he would like to finish his career with the only NHL team  he has known. Howard said. “I love playing for the Wings. My family loves living in Detroit. It’s very special.” It seems that is the way it will play out.

The extension shores up the Red Wings goaltending through next season. There is currently no  goalie prospect NHL ready in the organization. From the 2016-17 season through 2017-18 season, Howard accumulated a .915 save percentage and 2.63 goals against average.

Howard has been one of the more consistent players for the Red Wings this season, better than his .907 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average through 47 games reflect. Jimmy Howard said he is comfortable with the one-year contract, as the Red Wings can continue to evaluate the veteran goaltender year to year basis.

The Detroit Red Wings do have some young goalies in the organization. They are no where close to being ready. The Wings need to prioritize developing young net-minders. Detroit in the past has signed veteran goalies like Dominik Hasek and Mike Vernon.

This is the safe road for Detroit. Howard has been a very steady and solid goalie and he is a known commodity to the fans, coaches, front office. It also gives Detroit wiggle room if they want to sign a free agent goalie.

Detroit Red Wings general manager gets some credit, in the past he gave older players outrageously big contract. In terms and years. The fact he is only giving Jimmy Howard a one year deal, signals he understands where is team is in the rebuild process.

 

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Detroit Red Wings: A mess in goal

Embed from Getty Images An aging goalie past his prime another goalie young but who has struggled when called up from the Grand Rapids Griffins. Has Detroit Red Wings, fans uneasy.

 

It has come to this in Detroit. The Red Wings, due to years of over spending. Spending to upgrade the wrong positions has caught up to the organization. Veteran goalie Jimmy Howard is basically a shell of his former self and his play has dropped dramatically.

While young goalie Jared Coreau seemingly can not stop the puck consistently enough to make the coaches, front office and his teammates feel comfortable when he is called on.

The real issue is the Detroit Red Wings have no one waiting in the wings (no pun intended.) In last years NHL draft the Red Wings did draft goalie Keith Petruzzelli. Someone who I actually think can grow into a starter in the league. But that is years away from becoming a reality.

It is no secret the Winged Wheels are up against the salary cap. So they would need to dump players and contracts or make a trade to upgrade the net protector.

It is a big problem. No matter your defense or defensive prospects a team has. If the goalie can not make stops the team is doomed to struggle. It is certainly something to keep an eye on this Detroit, offseason.