Howard's effort carried Red Wings to win vs. Rangers

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard showed why he's among the NHL's best Wednesday against the New York Rangers.

Back at Joe Louis Arena from a six-game, 10-day road trip, the Red Wings were outshot 40-31 but managed a 2-1 win against the Rangers thanks to Howard. After allowing a power-play goal to Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi in the first period Howard made 29 saves the rest of the way, including a few that bailed out the Red Wings.

"I thought [Howard] was good," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit News. "I thought we looked like we'd been on a long road trip and got back, and we were wearing snow shoes. Turned the puck over a lot."

The Rangers nearly scored a lucky goal with five minutes to play in the game. Defenseman Ryan McDonagh's shot bounced off the glass and over Howard's shoulder but Howard swatted the puck away with his blocker to keep the game tied.

"Just from knowing the boards and practicing in here a lot, you see shots that hit over your head and come right back over into the crease area," Howard said, according to the Detroit News. "You know, I just kept my eye on it and just tried to swipe it as hard as I could.

"They threw a lot at the net. Coming into [Wednesday] I knew I was going to be busy."

The Red Wings have won three straight games, are 5-1-1 in their past seven and are a point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for second place in the Atlantic Division.