Mac and McCollum

Joey MacDonald (January 9, 2011 - Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Here is a follow up on Joey MacDonald. It talks about his recent call-up to Detroit and his chance to get to play some more NHL minutes due to another minor injury to Jimmy Howard. He went over a span of about 4 games without letting in a goal, prior to starting in a 3-2 OT loss to Chicago on Monday.  He played well enough to earn another start tonight against St. Louis.  The article also talks about the interesting situation a guy called up from the minors goes through when called up. It would be nice to see if he stays with Detroit in the playoffs since he’s been up and down so many years, but it would be an interesting situation to see if he ends up having to play for Detroit…

Thomas McCollum(Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

There is also a short write-up about  Thomas McCollum, he is the goalie called up from the ECHL to fill in for Howard.  He has had a tough second pro season not playing as well in the AHL and was sent to the ECHL to build confidence and help him play more consistently…which he has and its earned him the call-up to the Wings for Monday’s game against Chicago.  Also make sure you look at the blurb on Corey Crawford. He has reached 30 wins and he is definitely making a push for winning the Calder Trophy.

And here is a post goal fail by Scott Clemmensen…it must have been a mind numbing goal…kinda makes me more embarrassed to be Clemmensen fan.



I-96

Joey MacDonald (September 28, 2010 - Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

I-96 is the highway that runs between Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Veteran journeyman Joey MacDonald did not plan to travel this highway much this season, but he knows it like the back of his hand by now.  He was slated to be the starter for the season in Grand Rapids and mentor Detroit’s prospect goalies Thomas McCollum and Jordan Pearce.  Joey Mac has been called up to Detroit again today, which makes this his seventh time heading to Detroit this year.  This has been the result of nagging injuries to Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard and the team’s failed attempt to sign Evgeni Nabokov. 

MacDonald has taken full advantage of the opportunities when given the chance to play for the Motor City.  In 12 games played in he’s 4-4-2 with a decent GAA (2.10) and a real good save percentage at .926%.  I think MacDonald has a great mentality.  He’s a great team player and has a lot of wisdom to offer to both teams.  He is also a decent goalie as well, if you look at his numbers, even if he’s played the majority of his career in the AHL.  MacDonald has a great outlook on his situation as well, “I’m 30 years old now, so being back up on a team like that (Detroit) is what my goal is,” he said. “When I’m not, (Grand Rapids) is the place to be. Of course, as a goaltender, you’ve got to play games to get better.”  He’s an UFA this summer and would be a great re-sign for the Wings to fill their backup or their number 3 slot again. He'd also be a good signing for another team looking for a mentor for their younger goalies.  For the rest of the season he will be good for the Wings until Osgood is healthy enough to backup; or in spots starts and relief efforts for Howard.  There may not be any as the season is almost over, but he’ll be ready if needed.  Hopefully, for Mac though, he won’t be traveling I-96 again.

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