Wings Top Sharks
There's something about playing the Anaheim Ducks that seems to bring out the best in Jimmy Howard and Johan Franzen.
Howard made a season-high 41 saves for his fifth NHL shutout and Franzen scored on Detroit's first shot of the game, leading the Red Wings to a 4-0 victory Friday night. The shutout was the second this season for Howard, including a 4-0 win over the Ducks on opening night at Detroit.
"They came at us hard all night. They just threw pucks at the net from everywhere," Howard said. "I felt good out there and I've felt that way for a while. I think it's just confidence building off of last year. I feel I have the confidence of my teammates when I'm playing, and that makes it a lot easier. I'm not doing anything special out there. I'm just trying to get in the way of the puck."
This was the ninth time this season that Howard faced 30 or more shots, but he doesn't mind at all. Detroit's record in those games is 7-2.
"For a goalie, it's a lot easier this way because you get into a rhythm," Howard said. "Sometimes our team is so good at controlling the play, you sort of become a spectator down at the other end and you have to find a way to keep your mind into it. So when you're getting lots of work, it's easier to stay in the game."
