Quote:
Originally Posted by Jester47
Interesting question. But I think you have to go with a proven commodity.
I know that we have only seen flashes of what Denis could do. I got to watch him when in played in Denver,
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If the "proven commodity" is a goalie that renders 3-4 goals/night, one of them marshmellowy, and can't lead an NHL team to the playoffs, then I suppose Denis is proven across those boards. Don't get me wrong. Denis is a character guy. Took ridin' the pine in stride. Said the right things upon his arrival and took the reigns as expected. My confidence in him isn't suspect, simply lowered. I wasn't cheering him to a Calder Cup with the Bears so that return of devotion held little merit here.
I would disagree slightly that he hasn't played to his strengths though. He has flashed a brilliant glove at times and backstopped several games, both in October and February, to points in bonus hockey when the team in front of him probably didn't deserve a win.
He's also been shaky positionally at times and crept back under his pipes when the defense out front didn't clear his rebounds promptly, leading to costly goals at inopportune times. Those were his characteristics offered in relief of Roy in Denver and over the past several seasons in Columbus. Watched him on CI & in visits here. Unbeatable in stretches, very beatable in others. That oft-reported stat of his '05-'06 record with 3 goals of support was suspect when offered and moreso now, with his 3+ GAA.
Holmqvist in contrast bided his time. Had the quiet confidence that whenever his chance presented itself he could lead this team to an extended winning streak. Then walked the walk. Maintained his professional demeanor and never misspoke, even while the team sunk a half dozen games below .500. Cannot quite determine his penchance for the unscreened slapshot from the blueline finding twine gloveside. Methinks vision perhaps. Stellar otherwise. His contract situation is worrisome now that sides have broken off talks for a spell.
Had to notice the coincidence yesterday between how Reese applauding Holmer's efforts at last spring's IIHF WC & offered him a deal, then Norrena decided the timing was more suitable to bring his young family to North America and we wound up with a glut of candidates in goal
AND the Buckos finalizing the Plummer trade the same day as signing 'journeyman' Garcia to spell Simms, the younger, at QB.
Wicked run-on there, with regrets.