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Jimmy Howard’s Calder Trophy argument

Image (1) Howard-thumb-200x300-9054.jpg for post 805

As we near the end of the season, we’re going to take a look at who we think should be three finalists for the Hart, Norris and Calder Trophies, making arguments for each. Next is the Calder trophy, the NHL’s award for the Rookie of the Year. Next up: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.

Why he deserves it: It’s amazing to think that after such an incredible history the team has had for so long that Jimmy Howard my finish with one of the best seasons a Detroit Red Wings goaltender has ever had. The win total may not be as high or the goals-against average as insanely low as we saw all those years ago, but he’s enjoying one hell of a season as the Red Wings head into the playoffs as the hottest team in the NHL.

Among goaltenders with at least 60 games played, Howard ranks third in save percentage (0.924) and third in overall goals-against average (2.27). He’s not far removed from the great numbers that Ryan Miller has put up this season, someone many -- including myself -- are touting for the Hart Trophy. While the Red Wings have certainly returned to the level of play that propelled them to the finals last season, it’s been Jimmy Howard that has provided the glue to hold this team together through some rough stretches during the season. When you contrast Howard’s play with that of his backup, Chris Osgood, it’s immediately apparent just how great he’s been from start to finish for the Red Wings.

Why he doesn’t deserve it: There are some who argue that it’s the defensive system and the players in front of them that make the Detroit goaltenders so good. After all, the Red Wings consistently have some of the top defensive numbers in the NHL year after year, no matter who is in net. It’s a flimsy argument when it comes to Howard, however, and perhaps one could point to another rookie goaltender who has been better. Tuukka Rask has played in 18 less games than Howard, and has put up some astronomical numbers (1.97 GAA; .931 save %). If the Bruins had played Rask more this season, there’s a chance we’d have his name here rather than Howard’s.

Why he’ll get it: The Red Wings are the hottest team in the NHL headed into the playoffs, and Howard has played better and better as each game goes by. He’s playing his best hockey of the season right now, something that will certainly be fresh on the minds of voters. He’s also very visible in his success in net, and it’s very easy to quantify a Calder for Howard both based on number and based on the eyeball test.

Why he won’t get it: Perhaps for the reasons listed above; sometimes voters may feel that it’s the defensive system that is helping the goaltender over the actual play in net. The fact that Steve Mason, a goalie, won last season may also play against him. The fact that Howard is a bit older (26) compared to the much younger ages of the other players in the mix may also play against him as well. While this is certainly his first full season in the NHL, he’s had over four seasons of experience in the AHL. Compare that to Myers (20) and Duchene (19) who entered the NHL directly out of the Canadian juniors, and Howard may be at a disadvantage.