Jimmy Howard was an All-Star. Not in a season in the distant past of his career. Last season.
He put up a stellar first half last year, going 16-7-7 with a .920 save percentage and a 2.11 goals-against average.
Jimmy Howard – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
However, before he could go to the All-Star Game, he injured his groin on Jan. 11, 2015, clearly the argument could be made that he wasn’t ready to return when he did. He came back after four weeks out and wasn’t the same goalie. He went 7-6-4 after returning, his goals-against average finished at 2.44 and save percentage at .910. Former head coach Mike Babcock benched Howard at the start of the playoffs for Petr Mrazek.
The season started with Howard and Mrazek in a 1A-1B goalie situation. But after Mrazek’s sustained strong play, Howard has clearly become the backup — and a very expensive one at that. While Mrazek has vaulted himself into the conversation for the Vezina Trophy, Howard may have played his way out of town.
Howard has lost his last nine starts, dating back to a Dec. 3 win against Arizona. His goals-against average is a shade below 3.00 and his save percentage a shade above .900. He’s allowed at least four goals in his last five starts and after Monday’s game in Brooklyn, Howard refused to talk to the media.
“I thought Jimmy played good,” coach Jeff Blashill said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “I try to judge process. You can say, well, four goals, not good enough. We all want more saves, including him, but I thought he played good. I thought he gave us a chance to win. Made a big save on the breakaway early in the game. Jimmy’s just got to keep focusing on playing good hockey. He can’t score more goals for us. He’s got to keep playing as good as he can.”
Howard’s contact may be a massive stumbling block for the man who gave it to him. General Manager Ken Holland will have to find a taker for the last three years of Howard’s contract, at just under $5.3 million per year. Oh, and the full no-trade clause that Howard has to waive.
Calgary has a goalie problem after this year, and plenty of cap space. The Flames have no goalie under contract after next season, and the Red Wings have one in desperate need of a fresh start.
Whatever happens before Feb. 29, one thing that is abundantly clear: Howard’s time in Detroit has to come to an end.
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