Jimmy Howard coming along
Joe Conklin’s Powerplay weblog has an update on Jimmy Howard’s play of late:
Jimmy Howard has been a standout in the Griffins’ 5-2-0-1 run since a seven-game losing streak. He’s 5-1-1 in his last seven decisions with a 2.27 goals against average and .928 saves percentage.
“We had a conversation several weeks back and talked to him about being the best guy on the ice,” coach Greg Ireland said. “He comes out and battles. I can see a lot of pride in his game right now and him being a leader on this club.
“That’s what this league has been built on over the years — goalies who have gone on to being great netminders at the next level. It’s a tough process, but Jimmy’s really put it in his mind to be a leader.”
This is a good sign. It has been hoped that Howard could compete for the starting netminder position in Detroit next season. Red Wings Central compares his development to Ryan Miller’s:
The Red Wings are counting on Howard to be their goaltender of the future, and so far, he is following the Ryan Miller development model to perfection: three years in college and several years in the American Hockey League becoming a bona fide pro. He was the top rookie goalie in the AHL in 2005-06, and Red Wings management believes he needs at least one more year of seasoning in Grand Rapids.
Miller spent three seasons in Rochester playing in the AHL before he claimed a fulltime roster spot on the Sabres last season, appearing in 48 games. Howard is in his second season in Grand Rapids. Hopefully he can play well enough to the point where he has a good chance of making the Red Wings roster.
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