Howard not thinking retirement after career-worst season

Detroit Red Wings veteran netminder Jimmy Howard hopes he can move past the worst season of his professional career.

"I want to keep playing," Howard said Friday, according to The Detroit News' Ted Kulfan. "This year left such a bitter taste in my mouth. I want to go out there and show people I can still play in this league - I know I'm capable."

The 36-year-old ended the season with a 2-23-2 record - including 20 straight losses - to go along with a career-low 4.20 goals-against average and .882 save percentage.

Howard, who's set to hit free agency this offseason, doesn't believe his poor statistics are a reflection of his ability as a goaltender.

"I personally don't believe I represent those number (statistics), but I was a big part of the program (losing)," Howard said. "I got in my own way a lot instead of letting the play to come. I was overthinking things. I was in my head and tinkering with stuff instead of just saying, 'You can do this,' and have the confidence to go out and do it."

He added: "When things got spiraling out of control, I felt like I was in quicksand, and when I tried to get out of it the more I sank."

With teammate Jonathan Bernier signed for the 2020-21 season, Howard understands his time in Detroit may come to an end, though he still hopes to end his career with the club that drafted him in 2003.

"I love this state, this city, and this city is home to us now. I would want to finish my career a Red Wing," Howard said. "But at the same time, I've been around this game long enough to realize there comes a time when you have to separate ties. If that's the way it'll have to go, I've mentally prepared for that. My wife and I have talked about it a little bit, and if that's going to be the case, it'll have to be the case."

Howard has spent his entire 14-year career with Detroit. He's compiled a 246-196-70 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.