Howard was peppered in Game 5, allowing four goals on 45 shots. Regardless of the loss Howard has been great this series. He has posted a 1.80 GAA and .948 SV% in this second round series.

CHRIS KREIDER-LW-NY RANGERS After being promoted to the top line for Game 4, Kreider answered the bell with the overtime game-winning goal off a deft pass from Rick Nash. With the series extended for at least another game, it would be safe to assume that Head Coach John Tortorella might stick with the same line combinations that resulted in their first win over Boston. As for Kreider, he displayed high-end offensive talent with a couple of playoff game-winners last season, but played sparingly during the regular season. The 22-year old has shown the ability to raise his level of play during the post-season, so he could be a solid fantasy play for Game 5. JIMMY HOWARD-G-DETROIT read more

Howard was excellent once again in Game 3 where he stopped 39 of the 40 shots thrown his way. The Blackhawks were in Howard's crease all night long but it didn't phase him as he led the Wings to a 2-1 series lead. Another win at Joe Louis Arena tonight will put the Hawks on the brink of elimination.

JIMMY HOWARD-G-DETROIT RED WINGS read more

Howard played very well in the first round series vs. Anaheim. He posted a 2.74 GAA and .911 SV% in that series which are not fantastic numbers but the Ducks scored more than a couple fluky goals on Howard. Brendan Smith scored on his own net and they had a couple go in by just throwing it on net and getting bounces, no fault of Howard's. He will need to be the backbone of the Wings again in the second round if they are going to take down the #1 seed Blackhawks.

MEET PRIMEPUCKS! If you would like to meet Mike, Ray and Steve of PrimePucks, join them at El Rio Grande restaurant and bar (located on the southwest corner of 38th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 15th from 5:00 pm until ???. They will gladly talk pucks until your ears fall off! DETROIT vs. CHICAGO FANTASY MUST-STARTS: Chicago: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Corey Crawford Detroit: Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Jimmy Howard SLEEPERS: Chicago: Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook Detroit: Damien Brunner, Dan Cleary read more

Howard played well yet again in Game 6 and is the reason the Red WIngs are still alive. He stopped 34 of 37 shots in the 4-3 OT win. The Red Wings appeared to have a firm grasp of Game 6 until a ghastly turnover by Filppula gave the Ducks a chance to make it 3-2. Anaheim tied it up 51 seconds later and forced OT.

Howard was fantastic in Game 5 but still allowed three goals on 34 shots. He made some spectacular saves in the first period to keep the Red Wings in it. Unfortunately for Jimmy, the Wings hit a couple of posts in the second that could have all but iced the game. The Wings obviously need to win this one to force Game 7, so Howard will need to be at his best at the Joe tonight.

After a really strong regular season for Howard he has struggled so far in the playoffs. He ranks 15th out of 18 goalies in GAA (3.33) and SV% (.885). THe Red Wings need a win at home tonight. Howard was 13-7-4 with a 2.12 GAA and .923 SV% at Joe Louis Arena this season.

Howard was great in Game 3 until allowing three goals in third period. The series moves back to Joe Louis Arena where Howard was 13-7-4 with a 2.12 GAA and .923 SV% this season.