Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect Jimmy Howard knows he has some tough pads to follow. Names like Manny Legace, Chris Osgood, Dominik Hasek, and Curtis Joseph don't intimidate this youngster. Instead, they inspire and motivate him.
Howard, Detroit's second-round draft pick in 2003 (64th overall), relishes the fact that he is being pegged as the Red Wings goaltender of a future which could very well start at the beginning of the 2006-07 campaign.
"It's more of an honor than any extra pressure to have that organization put that on your shoulders," said the 21-year-old Grand Rapids netminder. "I definitely want that."
Howard has performed almost flawlessly in goal in his first season as a professional with the Griffins, compiling a 2.98 GAA and a nearly 90 percent save percentage through late February. He also won 13 of the first 18 games in which he was involved in the decision, and has helped Grand Rapids secure points in 15 of those contests.
This all coming following a standout career at the University of Maine, where he was the Black Bears MVP last year.
"He's realized that the AHL is a pretty big step from college hockey, but I think he has handled it well," Griffins coach Greg Ireland said. "For a young goalie in his first year, I think he's done a great job and is right on track to be a good goaltender at the next level if he does the right things."
Howard's initiation into the NHL didn't take long, as he was with the Red Wings earlier this year when both Osgood and Legace went down with injuries at separate times. He made his debut in November in Los Angeles against the Kings, making 22 saves to lead Detroit to a 5-2 win.
Although he wasn't as successful in his next three starts, and was pulled after allowing three goals in 23 minutes against Atlanta, the experience wasn't lost on the native of Syracuse, N.Y.
"There's no question that time in Detroit was key for me and my progression," he said. "I found out that I can play up there, but I also learned that I have a lot more to learn."
Even at such a young age, Howard is technically sound and plays his angles well. His mental toughness is also increasing, as is his poise and composure in the crease.
"He's really learning the pro work ethic," Ireland said. "What he does down the road is totally dependant on the work he puts in day in and day out."
Conversely, Howard needs to better control his rebounds and position himself more properly when the puck carrier is at a bad shooting angle. Mentally, he tends to think too much rather than relying on his instincts and quick reflexes.
"He just needs to simplify his game a little bit more," Ireland said.
Howard isn't putting his progression on a set timetable. He'll just continue to roll with the punches in Grand Rapids, confident in his ability to become the next great goaltender in Hockeytown.
"I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know how long it will take," he said. "But I know one day I will make it up there."
- Bob Matuszak
