When Dominik Hasek got done playing games with Ken Holland, or vice versa the Red Wings were left with a familiar face in net. They also had a very young, fresh and inexperienced young understudy named Jimmy Howard. Though Howard played in only four games during the Red Wings Stanley Cup year 2007-08, the franchise gave him a day with the Stanley Cup and a Stanley Cup ring.

Howard’s first regular roster spot on Detroit wasn’t until the 2009-10 season after Detroit didn’t offer backup Ty Conklin a contract. Midway through the 2009-10 season Howard’s play earned him the starter’s role over Chris Osgood, a role he has yet to let go of. Though he finished as runner-up for the Calder Trophy that year, the Red Wings could not have been happier to have found their goalie of the future.

Jimmy Howard’s 2011-12 season seemed to parallel the successes and pitfalls of his team through the year. The Red Wings raced out to the NHL’s best record at the All-Star Break and their young netminder was being mentioned as a Vezina candidate along with the usual suspects Lundqvist, Thomas and Rinne.

After the break, Detroit lost Howard to a broken pinky finger and the team’s fortunes began to turn. The NHL home win streak continued with some stellar play from backup Joey MacDonald, but poor road play offered an ominous sign of things to come. Howard returned to keep the streak alive before losing a shootout to Vancouver and ending the home winning streak at 23-games.

Though Howard had returned, pinky intact, he would tweak a groin against the Chicago Blackhawks shortly after and go back on the disabled list. Howard returned in time for the playoffs but seemed rusty and made some questionable decisions as the Wings fell to Nashville in the first round.

Looking ahead, Detroit may have lost its star defender in Nick Lidstrom, but they have a capable 28-year old goalie coming off an All-Star season. While the doomsday naysayers have the Red Wings in rebuilding mode, Howard gives the Red Wings the ultimate backbone in net.