OT: Should Wings pursue Nabokov?
Looks like the Sharks are moving on w/out Evgeni Nabokov. Any thoughts on whether or not the Wings should pursue him? We've had mixed results with the high-profile-free-agent approach (i.e. Hasek worked out, CuJo not so much) but I'm thinking he could be the key to one more cup run.
Without making several trades to clear cap space there is no shot at acquiring him.
Plus, I think Howard is solid enough to get it done.
I'd like to see the Wings bring in another goalie, but not one as prominent/expensive as Nabokov. Howard is capable of being the number one, but they need someone they can rely on to take some of the load off.
Navakov's a solid #1 and steely veteran, but I don't like the thought of sinking money into the guy when Howard's clearly our #1.
He is not worth the money, not to mention he is total dog shit in big games. (See Canada/Russia, Sharks playoff games for the past decade). He made great saves, but always gave up soft goals that cost his team big games (see Robert Lang, 2007). The Wings are set with Jimmy Howard in net for the time being.
#1 = Jimmy Howard
#2 = Thomas McCollum (in a year or two)
1. Jimmy Howard is a solid goalie, and relatively cheap.
2. CuJo was actually pretty solid in the playoffs, the defense in front of him was the worst the Wings have put on the ice since I've been paying attention to hockey (93 - forward).
+100
Curtis Joseph played really well for the Wings. It was the defense that (unfairly) led to his downfall.
Nabokov is a good keeper, but, when compared to Howard, he is not worth the extra dough.
Actually I would say that the offense that led to his downfall, one of those playoff years he had a GAA of 1.39 in 9 games and the year previous he had a 2.08 when the Wings were swept.
But yeah he got a raw deal here.
Nabby is a good regular season goalie but not playoffs, that is fact. With Jimmy we just don't know yet, plus he's way cheaper.
After some of the chokejobs that i have seen San Jose pull, I would be concerned about bringing him on. Not saying that it is his fault, but more he didn't step up when it counted. Big goaltenders play big when it matters most.
Nay on Nabby.
J-Ho for the cup.
Anyone else notice that our two favorite goalies right now are Tim Howard and Jim Howard?
EDIT: I mean other than Shawn Hunwick, of course.
survey says...................
Hell no. Jimmy Howard is our starter.
We need a sniper and an enforcer not a goalie.
Definitely not. I'm bummed that the Sharks were so decisive in dropping Nabokov; it means they obviously favor fellow UFA Patrick Marleau. Many Caps fans were hoping they'd take their time and we could offer Marleau one of those quasi-legal Hossa contracts, ten-plus years for a guy over 30 to reduce the annual cap hit by his inevitable retirement before the contract is up. Alas. Our search for an affordable 2C continues. Patrick Sharp please
Our goaltending situation is fine the way it is. We don't need that choker in Detroit.
Why pay $$$$$$$ for a goalie when Howard is still young and McCollum is playing decently in Grand Rapids? Goalie is not a paramount concern for the Wings.
We're getting Hudler back Lids, Homer and Bert are also returning plus Howard will have experience and I'm sure will be dynamite again! I can't wait for this new NHL season to start.
why on earth would you ever want him
... he can't win when it matters the most.