Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press answered some questions from the fans.
This one pertaining to ice time for Rasmussen as compared to Abdelkader.
As I’ve written before, Justin Abdelkader has not had a good start to the season. There hasn’t been much production (two goals, one assist in 13 games) and physicality has lacked, too. Regarding ice time, though, bear in mind Abdelkader kills penalties, which Rasmussen does not. In the New Jersey game, 3:02 of Abdelkader’s 20:39 total minutes were shorthanded.
Next question about Detroit's goaltending.
Their top goalie prospect is Filip Larsson, and he’s a freshman at University of Denver. Jimmy Howard has played very well two seasons running and has grabbed the starter’s role again this season, over Jonathan Bernier (who was signed over the summer for three years, $9 million). Howard is in the last year of a contract, and I could see him being moved at the trade deadline to a team eyeing a playoff run. He gives the Wings a chance to win most nights, and that’s playing behind a team with an aging veteran defense corps and an overall lack of superstars. That said, I think Howard, 34, will be back with the Wings next season, on a short-term deal (like two years). They don’t have a prospect who is ready, and they know (and like) what they have in Howard.
more Q & A...
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.