Jimmy Howard Need To Return To Form For The Detroit Red Wings

Apr 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie

(35) makes a save during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

When looking back at what went wrong with the Detroit Red Wings 2013 season one could point as at any number of player or reason for the team sub-par season. Of the players that struggled last season none was more apparent than Jimmy Howard.

Jimmy Howard was just 21-19-11 last season with a .910 save percentage, far from the expectations heaped upon him when he signed he huge contract extension.

The Red Wings goal tender spent the off-season losing weight and improving agility with goal tending coach Jim Bedard.  He focused on breaking some of the bad habits that led to a sub-par 2013.

"Over the course of a season, your body can get pretty out of whack. It’s just the way you’re standing out there. I just tried to pull my shoulders back into place and my hips and everything like that so you’re in the correct posture. If you see me walking around in February or March, my knees are inward, my shoulders are forward, so we basically tried to pull everything back so I’m more efficient out on the ice.”"

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hs also been impressed with the work Jimmy Howard has put in over the summer and thinks it will pay dividend for the team this season.

"“The big thing is, he’s trained real hard this summer,” Babcock said. “When you earn the right to feel good about yourself through your training and your work ethic and your eating habits, all those things, I think you’ve got a way better chance for success.”"

Jimmy Howard’s success will be a key to whether the Detroit Red Wings can contend this season.  With questions about whether or not the goal scorers can stay healthy, the Red Wings hope the their franchise goal tender can steal a few games over the course of the season.

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