Detroit Red Wings: Some of the Best Saves by Jimmy Howard

The Red Wings drafted goaltender Jimmy Howard in the 2003 NHL Draft, from the University of Maine. Jimmy Howard was seen right away to be the future of Detroit in net. It took him a while though playing only a hand full of games.

Then in 2010, he had his breakout year. He was one of the best rookies to play that season and put up a record of 37-15-10. That year helped him get his full time job with the Red Wings. Since then we have seen some great games and saves by Howie. 

Here are some of his best.

Howard Says No to Eric Brewer

The Blues were looking to put away the Red Wings in overtime. They got a two-on-one and Alex Steen gave Eric Brewer a perfect chance at a goal. Brewer tried to go five-hole, but Howard closed the door. 

Howard or Sawchuk?

Jimmy Howard and the Red Wings faced off against the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2010 NHL Playoffs. Keith Yandle shot it from the point, causing Howard's mask to come off. Then Lee Stempniak tried to hit in the rebound, but a helmet less Howard made the save.

If Howard would have given up trying to get a whistle, the goal probably still would have counted because of the way the play developed. Shades of Terry. 

Jimmy Stones Hanzal

In a crucial Game 5 between the Red Wings and Coyotes, Howard made a save that could be the reason they won the game. Hanzal got free behind the defense and came down and shot one on net. Howard made the initial save, but gave up a rebound to the streaking Hanzal.

Howie got the paddle out and stoned Hanzal cold. That save kept the game tied at one and propelled them to a victory. 

No Goal Joel

The Red Wings were facing off against division foe Nashville when Jimmy made this save. Ward got a juicy one-timer and ripped one towards the net. Howard looked like he was trying out for the USA gymnastics team by stretching across the whole crease to make the save. 

Howard Flashes Leather at Setoguchi

Devin Setoguchi gave the Sharks a stranglehold on the series by netting the overtime winner in Game 3 to give San Jose a 3-0 series lead. In Game 6, the Sharks were on the verge of blowing that series lead when down 2-1 late in the third. 

With a great move, Setoguchi gets around Brad Stuart and fires a shot on Jimmy Howard only for it to be snagged out of the air. It's not his most athletic or flashiest save, but it was one of his most timely. 

Boyle Gets Pad

Howard and the Wings were facing elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Sharks. Howard makes one of his best stops in the series and in his career. With Dan Boyle waiting in the slot, Joe Thornton feeds him with a certain goal. 

Howard denied Boyle and the Red Wings went on to win by one goal. Proving to be a crucial save midway through the game. 

Jimmy Beats Manny

Jimmy Howard with a classic glove save here. Marleau was attempting a wrap-around on Howard when the puck squirted out in the slot. Manny Malhotra was right there for a goal, but Howard got the glove up and denied him.  

Iginla Should Have One-Timered

The Red Wings were in Alberta, facing the Calgary Flames on a road trip. In overtime, the Flames had a power play and were looking for Jarome Iginla to end it. He was able to get across and get the blocker on his shot. The Red Wings would go on to win the game.

Martin Hanzal Part II

All you need to know about this save is explained by Ken Daniels in the video.

No Thank You Henrik

How many times have you heard an announcer to say "Daniel to Henrik" or vice versa. Henrik gets set up by brother Daniel only to be shutdown by Howard. This wasn't his best save of the game or on a Sedin.

Daniel Looks to the Rafters

Off a long shoot in, Daniel Sedin gets behind everyone to get the puck off the boards for a breakaway. Sedin usually doesn't miss on those, but this time Howard got the best of him. With a wide open net, Sedin just has to find the back of the net to give his team the lead.

After some review, it was clear he had not scored. It didn't hurt his chances of being first in the NHL in points or winning 2011 Player of the Year.