we all know that myers is in the running, but, im sorry, im considering throwing my hat on the jimmy howard campaign. going into last night, his numbers far eclipse any season even ryan miller has had (barring this one, of course.)(everyone knows ive been drinking the jim howard kool-aid for a while)

2.23 GAA
.926 save percentage.

those are numbers that win you a VEZNIA some seasons. how on earth is this guy playing his first nhl season NOW, and even worse, why are red wing fans wanting him out?!

followed of course by myers, who, at 19, is playing some of the best defensive hockey sabre fans have seen.

its food for thought, as this years rookie class is stacked.

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1a. Myers
1b. Howard
2-10. Everyone else, cuz it's not even close anymore.

It really is going to come down to Howard and Myers, IMO. My feelings are that whoever finishes with a stronger showing after the Olympic break will take it.

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mechaphil

i wish people realized how fuckin talented howard is. and he should be the 3rd US goaltender.

that being said, the numbers howard are putting up are identical to the numbers miller was his rookie season, until the sabres went for the odd-man rush every time down the ice in march.

phil, imagine miller playing 55 games for the sabres, with howard mopping up the other 27.

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I've been quietly keeping track of him since you started talking about him last season, and he's certainly running Osgood out of town.

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mechaphil

I added him to my Fantasy team as he has been beast.

But, you also need to look at Varlamov, if he had played the required amount of games he is also a very good rookie goaltender.

The Calder will come down between those two players, no way one of them doesn't get it.

If Tavares gets it, the thing is rigged.

Actually, Task, Howard, and Varlamov all have basically the same Sv% and GAA.

Rask has a .925 Sv% and a 2.14 GAA.
Howard has a .924 Sv% and a 2.30 GAA
Varlamov has a .924 Sv% and a 2.21 GAA

It will probably be between Myers, Howard and Rask, maybe not so much with Rask since Boston has Thomas still.

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high five, phil!

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Mark my words, at this rate, Tavares will be lucky to be top 3 in voting. For me, Duchene is the only rookie who can round out the top three, but it really is between Myers (who is understandably getting a lot of attention and kudos) and Howard (who is quietly kicking a lot of ass).

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mechaphil

Tons of love for Myers in this Puck Daddy post but no love for Howard until the comments come in. Varly has been way less impressive than Howard.

I do love that Myers keeps getting more love, though. McLellan's comments were awesome!

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mechaphil

Varlamov has been injured also, but has an incredible win/loss record in the 15 or so games hes played this year.

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How many games has Howard played?

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

35, 36 if he is playing tonight.

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he isnt playing tonight. osgood is.

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Howard isn't really a rookie. Just sayin'.....

He's still eligible.

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mechaphil

Um, I'll take him.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

its his first year in the NHL, isnt it?

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If you haven't played at least half the games in the season I think you're considered a rookie.

Say a player plays 25 games his first year but gets sent back to the AHL, he is still a rookie until he has played so many games a year.

It's like with Dryden, he won a Stanley cup before he won the Calder Trophy.

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Just remember Steve Mason won the Calder last year. Although no doubt Howard looks like he could be great. I guess we'll see next season if both this kid is for real.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

20 year old goalie and a 25 year old goalie is a huge gap. howard is ready.

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*cough*varlamov*cough*

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FIGHTER OF THE NIGHTMAN

"on the ice now for buffalo, looking for the pass, and gets it, afinogenov, couldnt get the shot away, now HE DOES, HE SCORES!!!! HOLY MACKEREL ROLE THE HIGH LIGHT FILM, MAXIM AFINOGENOV, WHAT A MOVE!!!!.... thats not fair... that was unbelievable"
-R.J. and Lorenz