Red Wings stand behind struggling G Jimmy Howard

The Detroit Red Wings play in what is currently a very tight Atlantic Division, and every point counts. It's hard to get those points, however, when the guy between the pipes is going through a rough stretch.

Netminder Jimmy Howard is in the midst of a losing streak that he is battling to shake off. But his teammates know he isn't the only reason the Red Wings aren't winning in front of him and are taking some of the heat.

Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reported Wednesday on the Red Wings standing by Howard despite his game-time woes:

“We stand behind him (Howard), it’s not his fault,” captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “Everyone is together. He’ll be fine the next time he plays.” 

Defenseman Brendan Smith feels the Red Wings are allowing too “many high-quality (scoring) opportunities. 

“We have to help Jimmy out because Jimmy has been helping us out.” Smith said. “He’s been fantastic this year. To help our teammate get back to where we want to be, we all have to play better. 

“We’re a team and that’s how you get to the next level."

In a recap of Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, coach Jeff Blashill expressed that he recognizes that Howard isn't solely to blame for Detroit losing back-to-back tilts. Ansar Khan of MLive.com reported:

"That shorthanded goal and the five-on-three goal, we hung him out to dry a little bit. The third one's right in the top shelf. It's situation more than anything else. I was a goalie myself, sometimes that's the way it goes. You have tough days in life and today is a tough day for our team. We're going to have to rebound here."

Detroit's veteran starter hasn't notched a win since Dec. 3 and has been pulled twice for backup Petr Mrazek. Being a professional, Howard is of course putting all the heat on himself:

"Nobody is going to feel sorry for me,” Howard said. “I don’t feel sorry for myself. I’m just going to continue to work hard and I’ll continue to bring a positive attitude to the rink every day. 

“Just continue to work. When your number is called, you have to go out and perform.”

Sure, nobody is going to "feel sorry" for him. But at least Howard can get to work knowing that his team has his back.