Jimmy Howard Back To Form, Notches First Win For Wings Since Dec. 3
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
As the Red Wings jumped back to within the top three of the Atlantic division, it was the perfect time for goalie Jimmy Howard to once again find his way.
With Monday's victory in Dallas, Howard got his first win since Dec. 3, saving 39 shots (out of 41 on net). The Wings beat the Stars 3-2, and are again in position to make their 25th straight playoff appearance. With 19 games left to play in the regular season, Howard's ascension back to productivity is crucial.
After that Dec. 3 win against Arizona, Howard lost in three straight extra-time games, seven in regular time and one more in overtime before finally getting another W. In January, Howard allowed eight goals in two games, and then five more in the Wings' Feb. 4 game at Florida.
Needless to say, it's been a tough couple of months for Howard. Last week, he saved 30 shots against the Rangers, but the team still lost in overtime (the Wings have played in 21 extra-time games this season, going 10-11).
"He actually play unbelievable last game when he play," Pavel Datsyuk told reporters in Dallas Monday. "He give us a chance. And today he play unreal, too. Lots of saves. Keep us in game."
With his 39 saves against the Stars Monday, it was the most that Howard has had all season. His previous high was 38 at Washington on Dec. 8, albeit in a loss.
"Each game's different but it definitely helps when they come out and you feel the puck early and it sort of relaxes you a little bit and it and you go about your business," Howard told reporters. He faced 16 shots in the first period alone.
Even as the Wings' other starting goaltender, Petr Mrazek, continues to dazzle (24-11 record, season save percentage of .927), if Detroit hopes to make any kind of playoff push, it needs Howard to be at this level the rest of the season.
The Red Wings have won three in a row after slogging through four straight losses from mid-February on. They're only three points behind the Panthers and Lightning, who are tied atop the Atlantic Division with 78 points. And they continue to hold off Boston, just behind them in the standings, by a single point.
In such a tight NHL race, any little thing could make the difference. Having two starting goaltenders capable of notching wins will be a crucial part of the Wings' race to the finish.
"You had to figure sooner or later some of the puck luck was going to change a little bit," Howard said of keeping his confidence through his recent struggles. "It has and I just think it comes with the hard work you put in as a player day in and day out."
