Goalkeeper Jimmy Howard: Self-belief is an attribute the Detroit Red Wings never lack - NHL
Detroit Red Wings’ goalkeeper, Jimmy Howard, said that he and his team are never scared when it comes to challenging situations like being down by 3-0 in a series. This was the case in the first week of May against San Jose Sharks, as they won the first
3 games of the playoffs to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals’ series.
In fact, Red Wings has probably come up with the best performance in the postseason after they successfully levelled the series on 3-3 with San Jose Sharks, making a comeback from being 3-0 down. Now that they have a chance to wrap up the series and make
their way into the Conference Finals.
Howard said, "These are moments we dream about".
Although Sharks emerged as a very strong force in the series, winning the first three games of the series, it was unable to capitalise on this advantage, bringing things on level terms.
This would have been the second time that Red Wings would have faced an exit at the hands of San Jose Sharks in the playoffs.
This led to many saying that game 4 of the series would probably be the final game of the season for Red Wings’ captain, Nicklas Lidstrom.
The future Hall of Fame name, a very talented and skilful player, led the team superbly as they fought their way back into the series and tied it on 3-3.
"I don't think you would've believed it if you came here and saw it after it was 3-0", Howard said. "It was loose, joking around, people laughing and being themselves. I think that's key when you dig yourself into that sort of hole. You don't hang your
head. You pull up yourself and get to work".
Game 5 seemed to be the end of the road for Red Wings when Logan Couture found the back of the net at the start of the final period. This took the score to 3-1 and according to experts, sealed the game and series for Sharks.
However, Red Wings came back with a strong offence, bagging three goals in 10 minutes to win the game and cut their series’ deficit to 3-2.
Game 6 saw Couture scoring once again at the start of the final period and with Antti Niemi making saves every now and then, it looked as if Sharks would finally seal the deal.
However, they failed again as Red Wings was successful in making their way back into the game and scoring thrice to win the game 3-1 and tying the series at 3-3.
Now that Red Wings have won three consecutive games and made a tremendous comeback, they are favourites to win the final game and according to the team they are already prepared to take on Vancouver Canucks in the Conference Finals.
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