A few days ago several blogs reported that the Detroit Red Wings were finalists for top free agent netminder Tomas Vokoun, and that they lost out on the guy when the Washington Capitals signed him to a one year, 1.5 million dollar deal—a deal that I feel is the best of all signings so far.
I don't think I'd feel the same way if Vokoun had gone to the Red Wings.
This deal would have made sense for Detroit two years ago, but it would have baffled me if they had signed Vokoun at this point.
Jimmy Howard may never be a Vezina finalist, but he doesn't need to be on this team. His money goaltending is an emerging aspect of his game, and after a shaky round against San Jose two seasons ago Howard showed up in a big way across a seven game classic against the same club this postseason.
Anyone who watched all seven games against the Sharks can testify that he was Detroit's best player not from Russia, and made timely saves when he needed to. While he could have had a mild case of the Gigueres, I just don't think that is the case.
After all, in the 2009-2010 season it was Howard that kept the Red Wings afloat and in the playoff race when they were los ...
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Article written by Franklin Steele
Detroit Red Wings: Why They Are Continuous Contenders
July 15th, 2011 by Franklin Steele Leave a reply »
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