Few teams least expected a goaltending controversy this season than the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard has been a top goalie since 2009-10 and seemed firmly settled in the starting role, while backup Jonas Gustavsson struggled last season (2-2-1, 0.879 save percentage) in his first year with the Red Wings.
But on Tuesday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported that Gustavsson will get his second consecutive start in net for the Red Wings against Boston on Wednesday, while Howard graces the bench:
So, what’s happening?
The answer to that question is pretty simple: Howard has not played well of late, while Gustavsson has. With the Red Wings just coming out of a prolonged slump, head coach Mike Babcock is opting to go with the goaltender that has given the team the best chance to win this season.
Gustavsson, regardless of whatever blemishes lie on his long-term C.V., has provided exceptional play this season. Detroit is 5-0-1 when he starts this season, and his 0.926 save percentage is a big part of that.
Ho ...
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Article written by Jonathan Willis