USA Goaltending...

is going to kill this team

DiPietro- awful
Ghrame- inconsistant
Esche- doesnt play much

Is it true Flyer fans that Niitimaki ( cant spell ) is taking up most of the time between the pipes in Philly?

is going to kill this team

DiPietro- awful
Ghrame- inconsistant
Esche- doesnt play much

Is it true Flyer fans that Niitimaki ( cant spell ) is taking up most of the time between the pipes in Philly?

Esche was out injured, and that's why Niitty played 17 straight games. They're currently alternating games.

Can a moderator please just merge all of these "DiPietro/Grahame/Esche are terrible" threads into one?

I would say that goaltending is a question mark for the U.S. Will it be a weakness? Who knows? Grahame has played well lately (three shutouts in his last five starts), DiPietro has been inconsistent, but his team's defense blows, and Esche has just returned from an injury. The thing is, both Esche and DiPietro have played very well on the world stage, so it's concievable they can return to form. The good news is, a few other countries have question marks in goal as well.

is going to kill this team

DiPietro- awful
Ghrame- inconsistant
Esche- doesnt play much

Is it true Flyer fans that Niitimaki ( cant spell ) is taking up most of the time between the pipes in Philly?

DiPietro has been terrible, as an Islanders fan I have to see it, and seemingly every other game. If not for DiPietro's play in October and early November the Isles are way more than 7 points way from a playoff spot now....then again he has likely cost them games since. He shows up one night, the next he gives up 2 bad goals...I cannot figure it out. The bottom line is Rick has shown he can play before such as in the world cup and I think he's going to get the nod regardless of his bad stats this season. Grahame has proven he is just an average goalie and Esche is awfully similar to DiPietro, he shows up one night and then does not the next.

Not saying Esche is bad or nothing but neither him or Dipietro will be able to steal a gold medal the way Richter did in '96. Plus they wont have a very good defense in front of them either and they will be facing the top snipers in the world. The Americans have not had an "elite" goaltender in quite some time. But if I'm a betting man I'd put Dipietro in there.

Not saying Esche is bad or nothing but neither him or Dipietro will be able to steal a gold medal the way Richter did in '96. Plus they wont have a very good defense in front of them either and they will be facing the top snipers in the world. The Americans have not had an "elite" goaltender in quite some time. But if I'm a betting man I'd put Dipietro in there.

While I'm not sold on the U.S. goaltending at this point, both Esche and DiPietro have shown the ability to stand on their heads in international play. As for the defense, I think it's going to be very good, especially from a puck-moving perspective.

Johnny Grahame isnt as bad as people are making him out to seem. look at the stats of the three USA goaltenders.



JOHN GRAHAME TBL 36 19 15 1 894 91 2.69 803 .898 4
RICK DIPIETRO NYI 38 16 15 3 1095 119 3.42 976 .891 0
ROBERT ESCHE PHI 20 12 5 2 558 62 3.13 496 .889 0

John Grahame is the best shot this team has.

And if the name Ryan Miller comes up, i might scream. he wouldnt give this team a chance.

Johnny Grahame isnt as bad as people are making him out to seem. look at the stats of the three USA goaltenders.


RYAN MILLER BUF 22 15 7 0 643 50 2.26 .922
JOHN GRAHAME TBL 36 19 15 1 894 91 2.69 803 .898 4
RICK DIPIETRO NYI 38 16 15 3 1095 119 3.42 976 .891 0
ROBERT ESCHE PHI 20 12 5 2 558 62 3.13 496 .889 0

John Grahame is the best shot this team has.

And if the name Ryan Miller comes up, i might scream. he wouldnt give this team a chance.

I would scream too, at Waddell. You think he wouldn't give them a chance. :loony:

I would scream too, at Waddell. You think he wouldn't give them a chance.

You better scream at Laviolette and Jason Blake too. :D

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0130,0,1996286.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

Blake: DiPietro deserves to go to Olympics

There is a possibility that Miller will be on a "taxi squad" for the Olympics, meaning he can be activated if one of the three is injured before the Games open Feb. 12.
Some in the media have suggested that Miller should outright replace one of the three. But Team USA coach Peter Laviolette said Friday that he has no plans to make a change in goal. "Right now I can tell you that our goaltending will remain the same," he said.

Jason Blake, a forward for the Americans, defended his Islanders teammate's spot on the U.S. roster. "First of all, let's be a little honest here: Rick DiPietro is the future of USA Hockey just like he's the future of the New York Islanders," Blake said. "Just because Ryan Miller has better numbers than Rick DiPietro or whoever has scored more goals than whoever, it doesn't matter.

"If someone's going to say something like that, you have to look at our team in general," Blake added, pointing the finger at the skaters in front of DiPietro and the faltering defense. "We haven't played up to our potential in front of Rick."

You better scream at Laviolette and Jason Blake too. :D

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0130,0,1996286.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

Blake: DiPietro deserves to go to Olympics

There is a possibility that Miller will be on a "taxi squad" for the Olympics, meaning he can be activated if one of the three is injured before the Games open Feb. 12.
Some in the media have suggested that Miller should outright replace one of the three. But Team USA coach Peter Laviolette said Friday that he has no plans to make a change in goal. "Right now I can tell you that our goaltending will remain the same," he said.

Jason Blake, a forward for the Americans, defended his Islanders teammate's spot on the U.S. roster. "First of all, let's be a little honest here: Rick DiPietro is the future of USA Hockey just like he's the future of the New York Islanders," Blake said. "Just because Ryan Miller has better numbers than Rick DiPietro or whoever has scored more goals than whoever, it doesn't matter.
"If someone's going to say something like that, you have to look at our team in general," Blake added, pointing the finger at the skaters in front of DiPietro and the faltering defense. "We haven't played up to our potential in front of Rick."

Is Blake serious? You performance doen't matter because you are the future? :huh:

IMO rick does deserve his shot. His team has been really bad in front of him all season.

I wonder what is Grahame doing on this team? Maybe they don't know that another goalie led Tampa to the Stanley Cup!!!

Miller has to be there!

How many threads does this stuff have to be rehashed in anyway? Grahame put up a lot of excellent performances early in the season and had a hot win streak right before the team was named, hence he was included, end of story. Is bringing a more experienced goalie really that big of an issue?

The only good thing to come out of all this crying is some folks are finally spelling Grahame's name right at least some of the time.

Johnny Grahame isnt as bad as people are making him out to seem. look at the stats of the three USA goaltenders.



JOHN GRAHAME TBL 36 19 15 1 894 91 2.69 803 .898 4
RICK DIPIETRO NYI 38 16 15 3 1095 119 3.42 976 .891 0
ROBERT ESCHE PHI 20 12 5 2 558 62 3.13 496 .889 0

John Grahame is the best shot this team has.

And if the name Ryan Miller comes up, i might scream. he wouldnt give this team a chance.


Why hate on Miller... he is the best of the 4

How many threads does this stuff have to be rehashed in anyway? Grahame put up a lot of excellent performances early in the season and had a hot win streak right before the team was named, hence he was included, end of story. Is bringing a more experienced goalie really that big of an issue?

The only good thing to come out of all this crying is some folks are finally spelling Grahame's name right at least some of the time.

Correct me if I'm wrong but you defend Grahame because you're a Tampa Bay fan.

Don't forget about Tim Thomas. He's an American (Flint, MI) and he's hot right now. Backstopped my Bruins to a shutout this evening with 44 saves against Ottawa! He's the main reason for the Bruins resurgence of late. And he's represented USA Hockey before, being the third goalie on the 2005 World Championship squad. So if any of the three USA goalies go down with an injury, dont' be too surprised to see Thomas named. Of course, Miller would be selected ahead of him, but if something were to happen to two goalies, then Thomas would certainly get the call.

Why hate on Miller... he is the best of the 4

I would just say he has been the most consistent of all of them this season, the problem is he does not have the experience in the world cup or prior tournaments Dipietro does. Also I have noticed Miller seems to unravel on occassion after a couple of goals go in on him.

Mike Richter ?!?!?!?!?!?

Where Is Mikeee ???? :cry:

at least take miller with u

but where is richter :cry:

Correct me if I'm wrong but you defend Grahame because you're a Tampa Bay fan.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but since you rip on Tampa players every chance you get, are you not a Tampa hater? Yeah, thought so.

I defend Grahame because there are reasons he got picked and I'm tired of seeing people jump on him.

Mike Richter ?!?!?!?!?!?

Where Is Mikeee ???? :cry:

at least take miller with u

but where is richter :cry:

No goaltender will ever do worse than Richter did in Nagano with a very good team, he was also marginal in 2002.

No goaltender will ever do worse than Richter did in Nagano with a very good team, he was also marginal in 2002.


Yeah but the USA had a much better team in front of him in '98 and '02. It wasnt all his fault for the losses. He did make some big stops against Canada in '02 when the game was close.

And if the name Ryan Miller comes up, i might scream. he wouldnt give this team a chance.


Your right he wouldn't give this team a chance to finish in 6th, which is the highest they'll be with DiPietro starting :biglaugh:

Miller not being the starter is a joke.Miller not being on the roster is just pathetic.

Your right he wouldn't give this team a chance to finish in 6th, which is the highest they'll be with DiPietro starting :biglaugh:

Miller not being the starter is a joke.Miller not being on the roster is just pathetic.

:banghead: You clearly either have not seen the Islanders play this season or do not know a lot about hockey. In any case you stubbornly refuse to acknowledge any of the logical arguements in support of DiPietro but instead continually just post "DiPietro sucks, Miller has better stats" and I'll tell you what--I'm getting really sick of reading it.

Like I said before, I really wish a moderator would merge these all into one thread.

Jason Blake, a forward for the Americans, defended his Islanders teammate's spot on the U.S. roster. "First of all, let's be a little honest here: Rick DiPietro is the future of USA Hockey just like he's the future of the New York Islanders," Blake said. "Just because Ryan Miller has better numbers than Rick DiPietro or whoever has scored more goals than whoever, it doesn't matter.

If DiPietro is the best the US has at the moment (questionable) I have no problem with him starting. If he starts because "he's the future of USA Hockey" that's just assinine.

I really, really hope the future of USA hockey doesnt look like the future of the NY Islanders.

I say go with the most talented guy, even if he is the youngest. The Soviets took such a gamble despite many safe and solid goalies in their system and won gold in 72 with a 20 year old Tretiak. Miller might not be Tretiak, but he is the best chance we have at stealing some games.

Miller should be on the roster. No doubt about it.

Miller should no doubt be in the mix, if it not were for the injury he would be there and prolly have the starting job.

Also for the sake of arguing , the reason why Buffalo is 4th in the East is largely due to the great goaltending we've gotten from both of our Goalies....The reason why the Islanders are so low in the standings is because they have not.

I hope Rick gets his act together at least for the Oylimpics , he no doubt has the potential to be great but he has been awful....the games hes played against us hes let the cheapest softest goals, it was pathetic.Esp the 2nd game.....

The Miller hate earlier in this thread???? Why?? Have you watched this kid play??

I really, really hope the future of USA hockey doesnt look like the future of the NY Islanders.

I say go with the most talented guy, even if he is the youngest. The Soviets took such a gamble despite many safe and solid goalies in their system and won gold in 72 with a 20 year old Tretiak. Miller might not be Tretiak, but he is the best chance we have at stealing some games.

Don't make me laugh. You know that Miller is a year older than Rick DiPietro right?

Also for the sake of arguing , the reason why Buffalo is 4th in the East is largely due to the great goaltending we've gotten from both of our Goalies....The reason why the Islanders are so low in the standings is because they have not.


The reason that the Isles are so low in the standings is because they have the worst defense in the NHL (except for maybe the Pittsburgh Penguins) and have forwards who utterly refuse to backcheck and help the goalie. What's twisted about the Isles is that goaltending has been one of their best attributes this season and they're still in the playoff hunt :help:

The games ive seen Rick play, hes been awful.Yes thats defense, but our defense isnt exactly amazing.Miller makes 4 or 5 big saves a game.Should have seen im in Atlanta tonight. He made a mockery of Atl dynamic PP :p:

Since its inevitable to see him play. lets see how he plays with a pretty good Defense for team USA :help:

I don't think the problem is as much "Miller is better than DiPietro", it's more about "Miller should be on the team to begin with".

I don't think the problem is as much "Miller is better than DiPietro", it's more about "Miller should be on the team to begin with".
I agree, Miller should be ahead of Esche and Grahame. What makes me mad is that we've got these ridiculous Sabres fanboys posting "DiPietro sucks" 10 times a day and not listening to any arguements from the other side.

I agree, Miller should be ahead of Esche and Grahame. What makes me mad is that we've got these ridiculous Sabres fanboys posting "DiPietro sucks" 10 times a day and not listening to any arguements from the other side.

At the same time you Islander fanboys refuse to fault DiPietro at all. He's having a terrible year, I don't care how bad his defense is. He got chased against Buffalo after a bad angle 50 foot slap shot by Jochen Hecht beat him. Miller's been incredible, consistently making saves on breakaways, odd man breaks, and after defensive lapses. Had he not saved his teammates time after time or had DiPietro played as well as Miller, perhaps we're viewing the teams respective defenses in a different light.

Your defense has been playing poorly, we get it. Bottom line is Miller is 4th in the NHL in SP% while DiPietro is 3rd on the Islanders.

The rest of the world is going to love seeing DiPietro in net.

At the same time you Islander fanboys refuse to fault DiPietro at all. He's having a terrible year, I don't care how bad his defense is. He got chased against Buffalo after a bad angle 50 foot slap shot by Jochen Hecht beat him. Miller's been incredible, consistently making saves on breakaways, odd man breaks, and after defensive lapses. Had he not saved his teammates time after time or had DiPietro played as well as Miller, perhaps we're viewing the teams respective defenses in a different light.

Your defense has been playing poorly, we get it. Bottom line is Miller is 4th in the NHL in SP% while DiPietro is 3rd on the Islanders.

The rest of the world is going to love seeing DiPietro in net.
I readily admit that DiPietro is having an up and down season. He was sensational for the first month, alright for the next and it's been a crapshoot since then. The fact of the matter is that DiPietro has played well for the US before and there's no reason to believe that he won't do it again this season.

As far as I'm concerned if you switch Miller and DiPietro's teams their numbers would almost completely reverse.

As far as I'm concerned if you switch Miller and DiPietro's teams their numbers would almost completely reverse.

As far as I'm concerned that is laughable.

At the same time you Islander fanboys refuse to fault DiPietro at all. He's having a terrible year, I don't care how bad his defense is. He got chased against Buffalo after a bad angle 50 foot slap shot by Jochen Hecht beat him. Miller's been incredible, consistently making saves on breakaways, odd man breaks, and after defensive lapses. Had he not saved his teammates time after time or had DiPietro played as well as Miller, perhaps we're viewing the teams respective defenses in a different light.

Your defense has been playing poorly, we get it. Bottom line is Miller is 4th in the NHL in SP% while DiPietro is 3rd on the Islanders.

The rest of the world is going to love seeing DiPietro in net.


yeah very true...but look at our top 4 D

then try saying that Miller would do that well in front of them

I don't think the problem is as much "Miller is better than DiPietro", it's more about "Miller should be on the team to begin with".

I agree with you wholeheartingly

Miller should be on the team

The thing is, the Olympics is a tournament that only lasts 7 games long. You don't need the best goalie in the world but simply the a red hot goalie who can play a stretch of 7 dominant games. Even a guy like Mike Richter wasn't a superb NHL goalie and DiPietro will probably have a better overall career. And like Richter, DiPietro doesn't need to be a superstar goalie in the mold of Roy or Hasek. He only has to play 7 solid hockey games and inspire enough confidence so the rest of the team can do their part. Anything can happen in 7 games and DiPietro has it in him to pull a Richter-esque (and perhaps even better) performance.

Someone should have told Waddell tanking at the Olympics doesn't get you a lottery pick for the 2010 games.

A column in the new SI just said Tim Thomas should be the starter. He's got a lot of international experience and he's playing crazy good.

A column in the new SI just said Tim Thomas should be the starter. He's got a lot of international experience and he's playing crazy good.

That was an interesting article, the writer noted how poorly DiPietro and the other goaltenders have played all season and discussed how Thomas played outstanding in defeat to the Isles Saturday but forgot to acknowlege DiPietro's forty saves and that he outplayed Thomas.

Stan Fischler last night claimed the goaltender depth chart for team USA will be Esche, Grahame and DiPietro.

Stan Fischler last night claimed the goaltender depth chart for team USA will be Esche, Grahame and DiPietro.
Interesting. A lot of stuff I've read made me think they want DiPietro to get the majority of starts. Who knows, guess they'll sort it out when they get there.

That article was a joke. Not because Tim Thomas isn't capable, but because Ryan Miller has actually been the best U.S. goaltender this year. As for the other three, they've all had their moments this year of playing great and all have that potential in the games. We'll see how it plays out.

Ryan Miller put on another clinic tonight, yet again outplaying a Team USA goalie, as the Sabres beat Esche and the Flyers tonight.

For those keeping count, the Sabres are now 11-0 against those that screwed Miller out of his rightful roster spot.

4-0 against DiPietro's Isles
3-0 against Grahame's Lightning
2-0 against Esche's Flyers
2-0 against Waddell's Thrashers

Ryan Miller put on another clinic tonight, yet again outplaying a Team USA goalie, as the Sabres beat Esche and the Flyers tonight.

For those keeping count, the Sabres are now 11-0 against those that screwed Miller out of his rightful roster spot.

4-0 against DiPietro's Isles
3-0 against Grahame's Lightning
2-0 against Esche's Flyers
2-0 against Waddell's Thrashers

Yeah, like it was the fault of those selected that Miller didn't get a spot. Please direct your anger at the USA Hockey braintrust and not the players themselves.

Exactly, it isn't Ricky's or Robert's fault that Miller wasn't selected. Be PO'd at USA hockey...

Interesting. A lot of stuff I've read made me think they want DiPietro to get the majority of starts. Who knows, guess they'll sort it out when they get there.

All three of them suck.

We really have no chance this year.

At all.

All three of them suck.

We really have no chance this year.

At all.

Learn to support whomever wears our country's colors :shakehead

Learn to support whomever wears our country's colors :shakehead

Amen! I have debated ad nauseum that I think Miller should be the goalie. But once the olympics start I'll be cheering for the USA no matter who is in net.
By the way, I was at the Sabres/Flyers tonight and the fans(myself included) chanted USA, USA after some of Miller's big saves. :clap: It was awesome.
ps.esche was bombarded (37 shots and 2 posts) and didn't look too bad. ;)

Learn to support whomever wears our country's colors :shakehead


Nope,not with Don Waddell in charge.Hopefully they get lit up for 10 goals a game :handclap:

Nope,not with Don Waddell in charge.Hopefully they get lit up for 10 goals a game :handclap:

..nevermind its pointless:shakehead





God forbid an American actually cheers for his country in an international sport.

If Miller was in net for USA, i would say they could compete for a medal. But with Esche, Grahame and DiPietro, i don think they have much of a chance.

If Miller was in net for USA, i would say they could compete for a medal. But with Esche, Grahame and DiPietro, i don think they have much of a chance.


I don't think we'll know until the games start. Esche and DiPietro have played under difficult circumstances this year and Grahame hasn't competed in international competition in awhile. It should be noted that he has the best save percentage amongst NHL goaltenders in the month of January.........

I don't think we'll know until the games start. Esche and DiPietro have played under difficult circumstances this year and Grahame hasn't competed in international competition in awhile. It should be noted that he has the best save percentage amongst NHL goaltenders in the month of January.........

This isn't an attack but what were Esche's difficult circumstance? I know what Ricky's are (an ahl defense in front of him).

This isn't an attack but what were Esche's difficult circumstance? I know what Ricky's are (an ahl defense in front of him).

He was injured for awhile and Philly's defense isn't doing him any favors. Personally, I don't think he's played all that poorly.

Learn to support whomever wears our country's colors :shakehead
I don't think he wasn't supporting them, he was just stating a fact. Team USA just isn't that good this year.

He was injured for awhile and Philly's defense isn't doing him any favors. Personally, I don't think he's played all that poorly.

I thought he played well at times last night especially the 1st, he was under seige for much of the game. He gave up some soft goals but he was getting peppered. Boy is Philly's Defense slow.

I thought he played at times last night especially the 1st, he was under seige for much of the game. He gave up some soft goals but he was getting peppered. Boy is Philly's Defense slow.

I don't think Esche is at his best right now, but I don't think he's horrible. I know what he can do (such as in the Stanley Cup playoffs and World Cup), so until he disappoints, I'll hold him to that standard, at least in international play.

I don't think he wasn't supporting them, he was just stating a fact. Team USA just isn't that good this year.

Good compared to what? I think this squad will be better than the World Cup team, and that team was within a hair of the championship game. I don't think the U.S. will win gold, but a medal is certainly POSSIBLE.

John Grahame has now had 3 shutouts in his last 4 games. Why is he not getting any hype forthe starting job? He is going into the tournament hot.

I dont get it?? :dunno:

As a Canadian, I'm just glad that these American brain trusts continue to have brains farts and leave guys like Ryan Miller out in favour of The Rick. :biglaugh:

The last thing Canada wants is another Mike Richter (a la '96 World Cup) type of performance in a 2 week tournament!!!

Miller shuts down the best offense in the league and stops all 3 Sens in the shootout.Boy am I happy we're putting the team in the hands of Rick DiPietro :sarcasm:

Miller shuts down the best offense in the league and stops all 3 Sens in the shootout.Boy am I happy we're putting the team in the hands of Rick DiPietro :sarcasm:

There is no doubt anymore. Miller would increase US chances by 50%.
Better hope for a goalie injury I guess.

Miller shuts down the best offense in the league and stops all 3 Sens in the shootout.Boy am I happy we're putting the team in the hands of Rick DiPietro

If DiPietro is the starting goaltender maybe you should be, that's two games in a week he won with forty plus save efforts.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hocke...ports-headlines
Alan Hahn:

DiPietro made seven saves in overtime and then stopped both shootout attempts he faced in one of his best performances of the season. It was one of DiPietro's best games. Even with the four goals he allowed, he overcame a swarming Penguins offense, which pelted him with 44 shots, and a scrambling Islanders defense.

"It was unbelievable," Satan said of the saves against Surovy. "The save he made there, it looked like from the bench that probably would go in. Then the rebound after it, he was laying on the ice . . . .miraculously, he saved it."

The Islanders' defense, which again played without Alexei Zhitnik (ankle), was pushed so deep that DiPietro had to start shoving his own teammates out of his way just to see the puck. " "Between the third period and overtime," Shaw said, "he had that look in his eye that you knew he was going to do whatever it took to keep the puck out of the net."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/h...9p-329801c.html
Isles ride Rick & Miro past Pens

Peter Botte:
But DiPietro's substandard goals-against average (3.46) has been a byproduct of many factors beyond his own shakiness - namely a chaotic defense in front of him and a general lack of discipline by the Isles all season.

To wit, each of the Pens' four goals yesterday came on their 11 power play chances - including two goals during 5-on-3 advantages. But DiPietro was particularly dynamic in the third period and overtime, including a denial of Ric Jackman off the rush and combination pad stops on Tomas Surovy in close.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tri...e/s_420797.html

It was a fine performance by the guy on the other end, though. Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro made 40 saves, and it seemed that as the Penguins got better and better as the game went on, so did he. He made 25 of his saves in the second and third periods, and stopped all seven shots in an overtime period that the Penguins controlled.

"DiPietro was great, he stole the game," Therrien said. "I believe we played a great game, besides a few mistakes. I believe we deserve better results. We worked hard, we were aggressive and I really like the way we played."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06036/650375.stm
Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

DiPietro, superb throughout the game, might have done his best work with about 1:50 left in overtime. Penguins winger Tomas Surovy collected a rebound in front of the net, but couldn't get it past the left skate of DiPietro, who then teamed up with two Islanders to keep a Sidney Crosby follow-up out of the net.

Grahame has been mighty hot as of late. 3 of his last 4 starts ending in shutouts. After a pretty nasty December, I believe I saw that he had the lowest GAA (1.36?) and highest SV% in the NHL through the month of January, don't kill me if I'm wrong on that one though. Granted he might not get as many starts with the goalie musical chairs Tampa plays with, but those are impressive numbers.

1/3: Stoped 36 of 36 for a win
1/7: Ugly night. Stopped 26 of 31 in a loss.
1/17: Stopped 22 of 23 for the win.
1/21 and 26: Stopped 20 of 20 against both Caps and Devils for wins.
1/29: Stopped 22 of 24 in a loss
2/4: Stopped 29 of 29 for a win.

John Grahame has now had 3 shutouts in his last 4 games. Why is he not getting any hype forthe starting job? He is going into the tournament hot.

I dont get it?? :dunno:

Sometimes, I feel like I am talking to myself in these threads.

Sometimes, I feel like I am talking to myself in these threads.
Yeah, I was coming here to sing Grahame's praises too, but it seems like people have their minds made up already. They'd rather ***** about Miller than look at who we have and be positive about it. :)

Miller put in another fine performance last night. Giving up only one goal to the Sens, and then stoning all three Sens shooters in the SO.

Miller is rapidly proving himself not just the best American goaltender, but one of the tops in the league.

Yeah, I was coming here to sing Grahame's praises too, but it seems like people have their minds made up already. They'd rather ***** about Miller than look at who we have and be positive about it. :)

yeah no ****,it seems like its become a Miller Fanboy thread

yeah no ****,it seems like its become a Miller Fanboy thread
Looks like it!

:bow: Miller! :bow:

miller is like twice the talent over the other USA goaltenders.

Last 5 games

Ryan Miller
5-0
1.98 GAA
.933 Save %
10 Goals against
0 Shutouts

John Grahame
4-1
0.60 GAA
.974 Save %
3 Goals against
3 Shutouts

Now, exept for the 3-4 Tampa fans, there is no one talking about the goalie that is on the team, and playing better than Ryan Miller. (With all do respect to him, he is having a great year.) What gives??? :dunno:

Grahame has played better lately and I personally think esche is the one that doesn't belong and miller should take his spot. However, grahame hasn't been consistent this year, which is why you always hear rumours about tampa looking for a goalie. Even the tb coach a few weeks ago said his goaltending was not where he wanted it to be. Until his 5th shutout his save % was under .900 and now it is barely above at .902. To have 5 shutouts are barely be above .900 tells you something about a goalie's consistency. Checking out his gamelog, it seems he goes in streaks of good and bad games.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/1725/gamelog;_ylt=AuZHUSGfJDjYn8bRpw7ACCxivLYF

Overall

Miller 18-7-0 2.18 .925 0SO Miller has allowed more than 3 goals in a game only 3 times this season. Miller has allowed 1 goal or less 10 times this season.
Grahame 20-15-1 2.60 .902 5SO Grahame has allowed more than 3 goals in a game 12 times this season. Grahame has allowed 1 goal or less 10 times this season.

Grahame has played better lately and I personally think esche is the one that doesn't belong and miller should take his spot. However, grahame hasn't been consistent this year, which is why you always hear rumours about tampa looking for a goalie. Even the tb coach a few weeks ago said his goaltending was not where he wanted it to be. Until his 5th shutout his save % was under .900 and now it is barely above at .902. To have 5 shutouts are barely be above .900 tells you something about a goalie's consistency. Checking out his gamelog, it seems he goes in streaks of good and bad games.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/1725/gamelog;_ylt=AuZHUSGfJDjYn8bRpw7ACCxivLYF

Overall

Miller 18-7-0 2.18 .925 0SO Miller has allowed more than 3 goals in a game only 3 times this season. Miller has allowed 1 goal or less 10 times this season.
Grahame 20-15-1 2.60 .902 5SO Grahame has allowed more than 3 goals in a game 12 times this season. Grahame has allowed 1 goal or less 10 times this season.

Thats all well and good, but this is a goalie that appears to have found his game. Four shutouts in the past seven games is impressive, no matter who you are. I would hate to see these boards if it were Miller who had 4 shutouts in his last seven.

The bottem line is that Grahame has gotten zero respect for team USA except for the 3-4 of us who have said anything, and it is not right. He has earned the right to represent his country, and IMO, has earned the right to start over the other two goalies on the team. :eek:

this might be controversial, but if Miller finds a spot on USA's team I'd say they have better goaltending than Canada.

Miller is on the US taxi squad, and reports are that he'll stay home in Lansing Mich, and only go over if called by the Team

Miller is on the US taxi squad, and reports are that he'll stay home in Lansing Mich, and only go over if called by the Team

rumors say that Echse is going to pull out in favor of Miller.

Esche should pull out cause he sucks and is too arrogant for someone who isn't that great.

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/12/25/Lightning/US_goalies_have_their.shtml

Wonder if Lightning goaltender John Grahame and Flyers goalie Robert Esche will be roommates while playing for the United States Olympic team? A month ago, Esche was asked which goalies might be named and was specifically asked about Grahame and Buffalo's Ryan Miller. Esche told Philadelphia reporters, "Definitely not both of them. I'm not going to get into it, but one of those guys doesn't belong in the NHL."

Although Esche said nothing else, it was assumed he was talking about Grahame.

"Yeah, I heard something about that," Grahame said. "What did he say exactly?"

When told, Grahame shrugged and said, "There's nothing between us. I don't even know him. I don't know why he would say that. I have no idea, but I guess I'm going to have to have a chat with him when we get over (to Italy)."

Even before January Grahame was playing well. This whole season he's out played Rick DiPietro. Ryan Miller was left off the team, whatever the reason was it doesnt really matter. Esche, Grahame, and DiPietro were named to the team.

Grahame broke a francise record before this year. He broke two this season.

Thats pretty impressive even if he wasnt on any of these olympic rosters.

Johnny Grahame should get the start. Esche should be the backup, and DiPietro should enjoy his sight-seeing.

Even before January Grahame was playing well. This whole season he's out played Rick DiPietro. Ryan Miller was left off the team, whatever the reason was it doesnt really matter. Esche, Grahame, and DiPietro were named to the team.

Grahame broke a francise record before this year. He broke two this season.

Thats pretty impressive even if he wasnt on any of these olympic rosters.

Johnny Grahame should get the start. Esche should be the backup, and DiPietro should enjoy his sight-seeing.

I agree of the three going he is playing the best and should get the start. But using franchise records for a franchise that isn't even out of diapers as a reason he should start is silly.

Even before January Grahame was playing well. This whole season he's out played Rick DiPietro. Ryan Miller was left off the team, whatever the reason was it doesnt really matter. Esche, Grahame, and DiPietro were named to the team.

Grahame broke a francise record before this year. He broke two this season.

Thats pretty impressive even if he wasnt on any of these olympic rosters.

Johnny Grahame should get the start. Esche should be the backup, and DiPietro should enjoy his sight-seeing.

Considering hes on a Stanley Cup winner

i wouldnt agree

Miller as much as i hate saying it has a stronger argument on that team than Esche [who i believe is way overrated]

then again we have "fans" on this thread saying theyd rather see the US lose

because of who might be starting ...........which is pathetic

then again we have "fans" on this thread saying theyd rather see the US lose

because of who might be starting ...........which is pathetic


it's f***ing pathetic..my team's player isn't playing, so I hope my country loses :cry:

unfriggin believable attitude:shakehead

it's f***ing pathetic..my team's player isn't playing, so I hope my country loses :cry:

unfriggin believable attitude:shakehead

First of all, it's just one guy who said that.

Second, most of us Miller supporters are going to cheer for Team USA regardless, once the Games get underway. I know I am.

But until the Games start, we will lobby for Miller to somehow get put on the team,both because he's earned a spot, and because he gives Team USA the best chance of winning (which is what we all want in the end, right?). In a short tourney, a hot goaltender is everything, and Miller's been the hottest American goalie all season long.

First of all, it's just one guy who said that.

Second, most of us Miller supporters are going to cheer for Team USA regardless, once the Games get underway. I know I am.

But until the Games start, we will lobby for Miller to somehow get put on the team,both because he's earned a spot, and because he gives Team USA the best chance of winning (which is what we all want in the end, right?). In a short tourney, a hot goaltender is everything, and Miller's been the hottest American goalie all season long.

Lets Hope so...not cheering for your country regardless of who starts is Pathetic

i dont give a **** if Miller , Esche,Grahame starts over DiPietro


ill support whomever wears a USA jersey in goal

Being a team fanboy over your country ...is something quite deplorable

In a short tourney, a hot goaltender is everything.

Which is exactly why Grahame, who is on the team, should be the starter.

Which is exactly why Grahame, who is on the team, should be the starter.

To be honest Who knows who will be the starter? its all speculation to this point

Lets Hope so...not cheering for your country regardless of who starts is Pathetic

i dont give a **** if Miller , Esche,Grahame starts over DiPietro


ill support whomever wears a USA jersey in goal

Being a team fanboy over your country ...is something quite deplorable

Yes,because cheering for your team in a tournament that really means nothing is so unpatriotic :rolleyes:

I'm sorry,but I don't blindly follow a team if I don't agree with their decisions/they have no chance of competing.

This isn't 1980,if the USA won the gold medal people would care for about a week.Even in 2002,people stopped caring after the gold medal game rather quickly. :dunno:

it seems quite simple to me

if the roster stays as it is right now, usa should just play the hot hand

and that is without question john grahame

John Grahame is the best shot this team has.

And if the name Ryan Miller comes up, i might scream. he wouldnt give this team a chance.

this needs explaining

if grahame gives usa a shot, so does miller

this comment is baffling

Yes,because cheering for your team in a tournament that really means nothing is so unpatriotic :rolleyes:
I'm sorry,but I don't blindly follow a team if I don't agree with their decisions/they have no chance of competing.


Good to see that being a FanBoy overides cheering for your country :shakehead

Good to see that being a FanBoy overides cheering for your country :shakehead

Get off your pedestal. Telling someone that their choice of who to root for in a hockey tournament is “pathetic” or "deplorable” is asinine. I don’t root for USA basketball. Anyone can cheer for whomever they want, saying otherwise is a joke.

It’s a hockey tournament. Stop making it more than it is.

Well I'm a Miller fan, but am not american, so I have no problems cheering against them. :D

It’s a hockey tournament. Stop making it more than it is.
im tired of debating why they should let the goalies battle it out

read my past posts


Now If you dont like the USA team selected



Then Dont watch the tourney



Thats all i gotta say

[font=Comic Sans MS]Now If you dont like the USA team selected

Then Dont watch the tourney

Thats all i gotta say


So if he doesn't like team USA he should just not watch the tournament?

You're deciding for him that he can't root for any other team?

I don't like USA basketball and I root for other teams in the Olympics. I don't like Bode Miller (I actually do, but there are some people that probably feel this way) so I'm going to root for someone else.

You preaching to other people about who the allign with for a hockey tourney is crazy. There are deploarble things in this world, a rooting interest in a sporting event isn't one of them.

Stop telling people how to think. Enjoy watching Rick get lit up during the Olympics and the rest of the regular season.

Get off your pedestal. Telling someone that their choice of who to root for in a hockey tournament is “pathetic” or "deplorable” is asinine. I don’t root for USA basketball. Anyone can cheer for whomever they want, saying otherwise is a joke.

It’s a hockey tournament. Stop making it more than it is.

Olympians represent their country. Any person who does not root for their country during the Olympics is pathetic! I think most people would consider your opinion asinine.

Olympians represent their country.

Olympians used to represent their country. When they were amateurs playing for nothing but pride.

Today's rosters stuffed with millionaire professionals don't represent anything but themselves.

What about when Team USA threw a temper-tantrum and trashed their hotel? Did that represent you as an American?

Like I said, I'm going to root for Team USA, and I'd like to see them medal. But I'm not going to say anything asinine, like claiming they somehow "represent" me or any other American.

Yes,because cheering for your team in a tournament that really means nothing is so unpatriotic :rolleyes:

I'm sorry,but I don't blindly follow a team if I don't agree with their decisions/they have no chance of competing.

This isn't 1980,if the USA won the gold medal people would care for about a week.Even in 2002,people stopped caring after the gold medal game rather quickly. :dunno:


at the 2004 World Cup and the 2005 World Hockey tournament,I rooted for Esche and Conklin when they got playing time over DiPietro.

It's surprising Miller isn't on the US Olympic roster.Since he isn't,I'll cheer on the players who are.If you can't get behind your countries players,that's your problem,your complaint.

Thomas and Miller should be on the team.
Thomas has international experience racking up 15 shutouts in the Finnish league last season and has been lights out this year in the NHL.

I dont see USA going anywhere in this with the 3 goalies they have right now.

Nice to see Miller named to the taxi squad, as I am writing this email DP let in a goal with 1:12 remaining . DP did not see it and did not move., The guy is overated and hope to see anyone else start over him for USA, by the way I am a huge isles fan but not DP fan.

I saw this in Newsday and had to share:
Daily rant

"With Ricky 'Red Light' DiPietro in goal for Team USA, we won't even be able to beat the Jamaican ice hockey team."

Michael DiGirolamo

Holbrook
http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spday044613429feb04,0,6735394.story?coll=ny-sports-print

Nice to see Miller named to the taxi squad, as I am writing this email DP let in a goal with 1:12 remaining . DP did not see it and did not move., The guy is overated and hope to see anyone else start over him for USA, by the way I am a huge isles fan but not DP fan.

I saw this in Newsday and had to share:
Daily rant

"With Ricky 'Red Light' DiPietro in goal for Team USA, we won't even be able to beat the Jamaican ice hockey team."

Michael DiGirolamo

Holbrook
http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spday044613429feb04,0,6735394.story?coll=ny-sports-print
:shakehead Sadly typical post right there. DiPietro makes 40 saves and steals the Isles a win vs. Pittsburgh and this thread dips near the second page. DiPietro gives up a tough goal to cost the Isles a regulation victory (and then is beaten on a breakaway in OT) and the wolves come out.

Of course this whole arguement is framed by the fact that DiPietro is still on the team and is still starting and Miller is not on the team. So I'm still not getting the point of this whole thread.

:shakehead Sadly typical post right there. DiPietro makes 40 saves and steals the Isles a win vs. Pittsburgh and this thread dips near the second page. DiPietro gives up a tough goal to cost the Isles a regulation victory (and then is beaten on a breakaway in OT) and the wolves come out.

Of course this whole arguement is framed by the fact that DiPietro is still on the team and is still starting and Miller is not on the team. So I'm still not getting the point of this whole thread.

Steals a win against Pitt :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Man are the Isles pathetic

Steals a win against Pitt :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Man are the Isles pathetic

Had a 40 save effort against a surging Bruins team, too.

Whoever starts in net for the US, I'll support.

Whoever starts in net for the US, I'll support.

Same here

Same here

and same here!!! Go USA!!! :yo:

What about when Team USA threw a temper-tantrum and trashed their hotel? Did that represent you as an American?

Yeah, they did represent me. You don't choose when a team wearing the red, white, blue represents you. That temper tantrum was unfortunate but at least I know they were frustrated by the outcome of the tournament. That doesn't lend itself to your theory of these athletes only representing themselves, does it?

Why so little love for Thomas? :dunno:

It's all Miller this Miller that.

Just look at Timmy's numbers this season, and imho he's playing behind a worse team than Miller.

He's got alot of international experience too (WC's 95,96,99,05).

And correct me if I'm wrong but the Olympics are played on a larger ice surface. There is no US goalie with more experience of the european rink than Timmy. Last year in europe he posted some ridiculous numbers in 54 games.

I think Tim has been the best american-born goalkeeper for the last 3 years.
If Tim was a finn I'd have him as my starting goalie, that's for sure (even with Kipper and Lehtonen).

It just seems like Thomas is being overlooked by the US management for no apparent reason.

Why so little love for Thomas? :dunno:

It's all Miller this Miller that.

Just look at Timmy's numbers this season, and imho he's playing behind a worse team than Miller.

He's got alot of international experience too (WC's 95,96,99,05).

And correct me if I'm wrong but the Olympics are played on a larger ice surface. There is no US goalie with more experience of the european rink than Timmy. Last year in europe he posted some ridiculous numbers in 54 games.

I think Tim has been the best american-born goalkeeper for the last 3 years.
If Tim was a finn I'd have him as my starting goalie, that's for sure (even with Kipper and Lehtonen).

It just seems like Thomas is being overlooked by the US management for no apparent reason.
He's being overlooked because Miller is better.

He's being overlooked because Miller is better.

Not statistically.

Why so little love for Thomas? :dunno:

It's all Miller this Miller that.

Just look at Timmy's numbers this season, and imho he's playing behind a worse team than Miller.

He's got alot of international experience too (WC's 95,96,99,05).

And correct me if I'm wrong but the Olympics are played on a larger ice surface. There is no US goalie with more experience of the european rink than Timmy. Last year in europe he posted some ridiculous numbers in 54 games.

I think Tim has been the best american-born goalkeeper for the last 3 years.If Tim was a finn I'd have him as my starting goalie, that's for sure (even with Kipper and Lehtonen).

It just seems like Thomas is being overlooked by the US management for no apparent reason.

Please tell me you are joking. :shakehead

He has played great for the B's but the best in the last 3 years. :biglaugh:

Was he holding back in the minors for his entire career just to suprise us now? :confused:

And correct me if I'm wrong but the Olympics are played on a larger ice surface. There is no US goalie with more experience of the european rink than Timmy.

We're talking about goalies, not skaters. What difference does the size of the ice make? The goal is the same size, isn't it?

Woo! Go US of A!

This goalie discussion is getting boring. Care to make it interesting? ;) A hundred bucks says Grahamer gets the start, Esche gets "injured", and Miller takes his place as back-up.

Grahame just got pulled after the first period against the Devils.

Not statistically.
Based on 12 starts? No.

He also loses points for his mask.

At the same time you Islander fanboys refuse to fault DiPietro at all. He's having a terrible year, I don't care how bad his defense is. He got chased against Buffalo after a bad angle 50 foot slap shot by Jochen Hecht beat him. Miller's been incredible, consistently making saves on breakaways, odd man breaks, and after defensive lapses. Had he not saved his teammates time after time or had DiPietro played as well as Miller, perhaps we're viewing the teams respective defenses in a different light.

Your defense has been playing poorly, we get it. Bottom line is Miller is 4th in the NHL in SP% while DiPietro is 3rd on the Islanders.

The rest of the world is going to love seeing DiPietro in net.

This post says it all. As a Buffalo fan, I have had the pleasure of witnessing DiPietro contribute heavily two Sabre wins and Miller chip in for about 15 more. To me, the gravamen of the argument of the DiPietro camp is "Rick would play better if," while the Miller supporters can say that "Ryan has been lights-out because." Simply put, the best US goalie will be in Lansing, Michigan during the Olympic tournament.

Miller with another 30 save win.

Somewhere Eruzione weeps.

Miller with another 30 save win.

Somewhere Eruzione weeps.

Just cause it's probably been a few days... :bow: Miller! :bow:

Just cause it's probably been a few days... :bow: Miller! :bow:
He did look good again last night :cry:

Maybe Grahme got pulled because of an injury? :bow: ;)

Maybe Grahme got pulled because of an injury? :bow: ;)

Nope, he was pulled after the 1st and put back in in the third.

Nope, he was pulled after the 1st and put back in in the third.
I was kidding :D

Miller with another 30 save win.

Somewhere Eruzione weeps.

Only if he's been reading this thread :shakehead

Woo! Go US of A!

This goalie discussion is getting boring. Care to make it interesting? ;) A hundred bucks says Grahamer gets the start, Esche gets "injured", and Miller takes his place as back-up.


You weren't too far off.Grahame has been named the starter and DiPietro his backup,which led Esche to consider pulling out.That would have opened a spot for Miller.

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/13861876.htm


Posted on Mon, Feb. 13, 2006
Disappointed Esche named Team USA third goalie, mulled skipping OlympicsBy ED MORANDaily News Sports WriterTURIN, Italy - Flyers goalie Robert Esche is on his way to the Olympics this afternoon, but he will not be playing.

“Laviolette called me and told me I wasn’t going to be playing. He said he was naming John Grahame the starter. I was upset and thought about not coming, but I talked with [Flyers and Team USA assistant general manager Paul Holmgren] and he told me not to worry about it.”

Not too surprising. Grahame just got through standing on his head against Laviolette's Hurricanes on the 9th ... and Miller was terrific against them just yesterday. The Canes have been taking these guys' best shots all season so far. Kind of a shame for Esche that he missed all of Philly's games with Carolina when he was out with injury.