MacDonald Likely to Stay in Detroit for Season

[Stripe]

griffinshockey.com/fanzone/notes/?id=6787

"Jimmy and Stefan Liv are probably going to be the two guys we’re going to have here, while Joey may end up in Detroit for a lot of the season. I think their plan is maybe to keep him there for a bit and give him a chance to play and see how things go. And, obviously, make certain that Dominik Hasek is healthy, and keep a third guy there just to give Hasek a rest at times. I imagine that’s the way it’s going to work out, but I can’t say for sure. If Joey does come down here, we’ll have three guys and all three of them will battle it out." Griffins GM Bob McNamara

[RedWings]

I think we all had our fill of a three goalie rotation back in 2003-4, and assumed, based on those results, it would never work. But, this is an interesting composition of goalies. Obviously, the main thought is to have Dom playing as well as he did last season, only to be sure he is healthy in April. So maybe the three goalie rotation works in D this year. I just hope Hasek plays as little as possible during the regular season. Just enough to stay sharp. And then ramp it up in the homestretch to be playoff ready.

[griffan]

I think it's the best situation for all concerned.

Joey will get to play some games for Detroit for experience and exposure. If Joey does well he strengthens his trade value if the Wings want to go that route. He also gets some much needed NHL time should Hasek/Ozzie go down with an injury.

There may well be a Howard/MacDonald tandem for Detroit in 2 seasons.

It also lets Jimmy get the #1 spot in GR. And, the 50-60 starts that he needs to show he can get it done for an entire season.